Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), caused commotion at the federal high court in Abuja on Monday after his bail request was denied.
Kanu, who has been in detention over an allegation of
treasonable felony, asked the court to grant him bail or transfer him from the
custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to prison.
In the alternative, he asked to be placed under house
arrest.
However, Binta Nyako, the presiding judge, refused the bail
plea.
The judge held that the only option available to him was to
take the matter before the appellate court.
But the judge ordered the DSS to always grant Kanu access to
his lawyers, not exceeding five people on every visiting day.
She ordered that Kanu must be given “a clean place” to consult
with his lawyers at the DSS detention facility, adding that the IPOB leader
must be granted access to a doctor of his choice.
But Nyako warned that any attempt by Kanu’s legal team to
file similar applications before the court would be regarded as a gross abuse
of the judicial process.
Reacting to the ruling, Kanu, who was visibly upset, said
the federal government violated the constitution and other international
treaties following his forceful rendition to Nigeria.
“My lord, you said in your earlier ruling that you will not
grant me bail until you make a determination about the reason for my
disappearance. But you have not done so,” Kanu said, waving a bunch of law
books in the dock.
“At this stage, I am of the opinion that you can’t try me
without first looking into that. The criminals came to my house to kill me!
“I don’t understand
why my trial must be conducted contrary to the provisions of the Constitution
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is the law of Nigeria as of today.
“This court is in violation of the laws of Nigeria. Section
2(3)(f) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, is very
clear.”
Interjecting, Gboyega Awomolo, prosecution counsel, asked
Kanu’s legal team to call him to order.
Turning to Awomolo, Kanu said: “This man is a terrorist for
conducting a trial in violation of an international treaty that Nigeria entered
into. Once a treaty is entered into and signed, it becomes a law”.
“They are all
terrorists! No court can try me in Nigeria. Anything done in violation of any
treaty entered into by Nigeria is an act of terrorism,” Kanu, who was livid
with anger, said.
“This man here is a terrorist as at today. He is a dishonest
man! You are a terrorist! Who the hell are you? Follow what the law says.
“I have been in
detention for over three years. You are the Chairman of the Body of Benchers
and you are violating the laws of this country.”
Awomolo, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who was shocked
by Kanu’s outburst, said he was not angry about it.
“I am not a terrorist
and I am not provoked by the action of the defendant. It is understandable. He
is only being emotional,” the senior lawyer said.
Nyako adjourned the matter to June 19 and 20 for
continuation.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com