THE leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has said that he jumped bail because he felt his life was threatened.
Kanu, on Tuesday, appeared before a Federal High Court in Abuja gave reasons why he sneaked out of the country in spite of the criminal charges of terrorism and treasonable felony slammed against him by the Federal Government.
Upon his appearance in court for continuation of trial, sought the permission of Justice Binta Nyako to address the court.
When he was granted permission, Kanu told the court in the presence of heavily armed security operatives that his house was invaded by security men with his life seriously threatened.
The self-acclaimed Biafran leader further stated that he would have been killed along with others on the day of the invasion if not for the wisdom he applied to escape out of the country.
Kanu’s reaction was provoked by the information by the Federal Government through its counsel, Shuaib Labaran that Kanu ran out of the country thereby jumping the bail granted him by the court to escape trial.
Labaran, thereafter, applied to the court for an order to remand Kanu in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS).
The Federal Government counsel told the court that the request became imperative because lawyers to Kanu were yet to be abreast of his rearrest.
Justice Nyako thereafter granted the request and ordered that Kanu be remanded in the custody of the DSS till July 26, 2021, for the continuation of his trial.
The trial of the IPOB leader continues on July 26, 2021.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) had earlier in the day announced the re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu by joint security agencies.
The AGF, who made the disclosure in a joint press briefing with heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police, said Nnamdi would be taken to court to continue with his trial.
However, IPOB, has confirmed the re-arrest of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The group in a statement signed by Bar. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, IPOB/Nnamdi Kanu lead Counsel, demanded that Kanu’s fundamental rights must be respected while in custody.
The statement reads: “We have just confirmed through a correspondence from the Federal High Court Abuja, about the arrest and the extradition of my Client- Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Nigerian State.
It is to be noted, therefore, that no matter the gravity of the offences or charge preferred against him, Section 36(5) of the Constitution still presumes him innocent of the allegation.
He was brought before the Federal High Court No 2 Abuja today on an Eleven count charge, though without our knowledge.
As it is in the public domain, the matter has been consequently adjourned to the 26th Day of July 2021, for Continuation of Trial.
The legal team ably led by my humble self will meet them in court on this date.
We insist that he must be given a fair hearing/trial which is his constitutionally protected right.
His safety as also guaranteed under our law throughout the trial and afterwards, should be enforced.
Our fortified Legal team will be meeting to agree on strategies within the context of the Charge and disposition of the Court.
Await further update from us as we progress.
Thank you and remain blessed.
Signed:
Bar. Ifeanyi Ejiofor
IPOB/Nnamdi Kanu lead Counsel.”
