The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony. Trial Justice Binta Nyako said her decision to release Kanu on bail was based on health grounds.
The court held that Kanu must produce three sureties, including a “highly respected and recognised Jewish leader”. According to the court, aside a Jewish leader, Kanu must also produce a “highly placed person of Igbo extraction such as a Senator”, as well as “a highly respected person who is resident and owns landed property in Abuja”. Each of the sureties are to deposit N100 million each.
As part of his conditions for bail, Kanu, was expressly barred from attending any rally or granting any form of interview. “I must stress it here that the defendant must not attend any rally. He must not be in a crowd exceeding 10 persons”, the Judge warned.
Justice Nyako equally held that Kanu who has been in detention since October 14, 2015, when he was arrested by security operatives upon his arrival to Nigeria from the United Kingdom, must sign an undertaken to make himself available for trial at all times.
Kanu was ordered to surrender his Nigerian and British international passports, even as the court compelled FG to return to him, his wedding ring and reading glasses.
However, Kanu’s co-defendants, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, were denied bail by the court which has fixed July 11 and 12 to commence their trial. Meanwhile, Kanu has been returned to Kuje Prison pending perfection of his bail conditions.
Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose was among dignitaries that were in court for the ruling. (Vanguard)