By Akinwande Soji-Ojo
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has refused the bail application of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Kanu was re-arraigned on an amended 15-count charge bordering on treasonable felony.
However, on April 8, Justice Binta Nyako struck out eight out of the 15-count charge.
While counts 6,7,9,10,11,12,13 and 14 were struck out, the defendant is to stand trial on counts 1,2,3,4,5,8 and 15.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome, moved an application for bail.
“Until a person is tried and convicted, he should be allowed to walk free,” Ozekhome said.
He reminded the court that a defendant ought to enjoy the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The lawyer begged the court to consider the deteriorating health condition of the defendant.
Ruling on the bail application on Wednesday, Justice Nyako held that “the application is premature and refused with liberty to refile and reapply.”
FG amends charges against Nnamdi Kanu, indicts lawyers
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has amended the charges against Kanu.
One of the counsels to the IPOB leader who spoke on condition of anonymity also said the Federal Government listed some lawyers representing Kanu as accomplices of the defendant.
Among the lawyers said to be indicted by the Federal Government are Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Maxwell Opara.
The IPOB legal team member said the government claimed that the indicted lawyers were constantly in contact with Nnamdi Kanu after he allegedly jumped bail and fled the country.
