The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that Nnamdi
Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra
(IPOB) be remanded in prison.
The Federal High Court also struck out six charges of
treasonable felony brought against Kanu by the
Department of State Services (DSS).
Kanu was arraigned in court today, January 20, 2016, on
treason charges and other offences resulting from his
agitation for the secession of a republic of Biafra from
Nigeria.
Founder of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu during his
appearance on treasonable charges at the Federal High
Court Abuja on Wednesday. Photo: The Punch
Chuks Muoma (SAN), counsel to Kanu, in his argument
said that his client should be detained in prison custody
rather than by the DSS.
He argued that since his incarceration, his client has been
kept incommunicado for three months within the confines
of the DSS facility.
He further asked the court to send the accused to prison
so that his family could visit him.
But, Mohammed Diri, counsel to the DSS in his objection
said the accused should remain in DSS custody for
security reasons.
Diri also asked the court strike out the charges that were
filed against Kanu on Friday, December 18.
“We filed the first set of charges on December 18, and the
second set of charges on December 23. The prosecution
intend to withdraw the charges filed on December 18 and
proceed with the charges filed on December 23,” Diri said.
After listening to both counsels, Justice John Tsoho
ordered Kanu to be remanded in the custody of the Nigeria
Prison Service, Kuje, pending his trial for treason.
“Having considered all submissions and application before
the court and relying on the constitution, an accused
person should be remanded in prison custody,” he said.