- Security re-arrested Kalu on Sunday as a fugitive
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja on Tuesday ordered the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kalu to be remanded in Correctional Centre ,Kuje.
The order was sequel to an application filed yesterday by government lawyer Shuaibu Labaran who also presented Kalu to the Court.
Justice Nyako ruled that the defendant should be remanded in the Correctional Centre till July 26 when Kalu’s trial will continue from the point his bail was revoked on May 28, 2019 after he jumped bail.
After a very brief Court session that was attended only by the personnel of Department of State Security and government lawyers to the exclusion of journalists , Kalu was whisked away from the premises of the Court through the back door.
Prior to the hearing of the government application, the Attorney General of Federation and minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN) the Inspector General of Police Usman Baba and spokesman of the Department of State Security Dr Peter Afunnanya have addressed a press conference in the AGF office and announced that ” Nnamdi Kalu has been intercepted” and brought back to the country .
Malami stated as follows in address titled.”on the Interception of Fugitive Nnamdi Kanu back to Nigeria to face trial*in address titles.”
“Self-aclaimed leader of the proscribed secessionist Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been (brought back) through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and security services.
“He has been brought back to Nigeria in order to continue facing trial after disappearing while on bail regarding 11 count charge against him.
He said that recent steps taken by the Federal Government saw to the interception of the fugitive Kanu on Sunday the 27th day of June, 2021.
“Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Ngozichukwu Okwu-Kanu, born 25th day of September, 1967 at Afaraukwu, Abia State is a holder of Nigerian Passport No. A05136827 first issued 17th October 2013 at FESTAC, Lagos.
“It is recalled that Kanu was arrested on 14th October, 2015 on 11 count charge bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods, among others.
“A judge at the Federal High Court, Abuja revoked Kanu’s bail that was granted him on health ground and issued a bench warrant for his arrest on the same date, over his failure to appear in court for hearing.
“He has, upon jumping bail, been accused of engaging in subversive activities that include inciting violence through television, radio and online broadcasts against Nigeria and Nigerian State and institutions.
“Kanu was also accused of instigating violence especially in the Southeastern Nigeria that resulted in the loss of lives and property of civilians, military, para military, police forces and destruction of civil institutions and symbols of authorities,” he stated.