A federal court in Abuja on Tuesday rejected the bail application of Biafra indigenous leader Nnamdi Kanu.
However, the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, granted an expedited trial instead.
The IPOB leader’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, had postponed the previous hearing and asked the court to release Kanu on bail before the trial begins.
Mr Ejimakor added that Mr Kanu’s health condition was deteriorating and continued detention by DSS posed a threat to his life.
Mr Ejimakor also argued that Mr Kanu would not be able to successfully defend himself in the matter if he remained in detention. However, FG’s lawyer, Mr. Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to reject the bail application and instead grant a speedy trial.
He pointed out that DSS has medical facilities that can treat him.
Mr. Awomolo also criticized Mr. Kanu for once posting bail, adding that in an affidavit filed by his lawyer, he had not sworn under oath that he would not seek bail if released.
On April 25, 2017, after 18 months in custody, he was granted bail on health grounds. However, he fled the country in September 2017 when the military invaded his residence.
