In a session presided over by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja on Tuesday, bail was refused for Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Instead, the court directed for an accelerated hearing of the case concerning the embattled IPOB leader, who faces charges related to treasonable felony.
Kanu, held in custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) since his June 2021 arrest, was brought before the court for the ruling.
Justice Nyako emphasized that while bail was denied, the court would expedite the trial process and instructed the prosecution to present its first witness.
Expressing discontent, Kanu’s counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, voiced concern over the ruling, citing the legal team’s inability to confer with their client.
Ejimakor highlighted the challenges faced in meeting with Kanu while in DSS custody, noting the monitored conversations and Kanu’s continued use of attire contrary to court directives.
He alleged constitutional violations and expressed the legal team’s dissatisfaction, prompting a brief recess to facilitate consultation with their client, as granted by the court.
