The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has said that it will meet the Federal Government in court in the trial of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, for treason.
Kanu was dragged to court on Tuesday, days after he was arrested and extradited to Nigeria.
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The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, revealed that Kanu was arrested and brought back to Nigeria on Sunday.
He said the arrest followed a collaborative effort between security agencies in Nigeria and the Interpol.
IPOB/Nnamdi Kanu lead Counsel, Bar. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who confirmed the arrest of Kanu, said the legal team will be meeting to agree on strategies within the context of the Charge and disposition of the Court.
“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,” he said.
He added that no matter the gravity of the offences or charge preferred against Kanu, Section 36(5) of the Constitution still presumes him innocent of the allegation
Kanu, who was not represented in Court on Tuesday, told Justice Binta Nyako that he fled the country as his life was in danger, following the invasion of his home by security operatives in 2017 after he was granted bail by the court. The matter was adjourned until July 26 for trial continuation while Kanu was remanded in the facility of DSS.
Kanu was arrested on Oct. 14, 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.
Kanu founded IPOB in 2014. The main aim of IPOB is to create an independent state for the people of old Eastern Region of Nigeria.
