THE Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has announced on Tuesday that the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, has been apprehended by operatives of Nigeria’s security intelligence.
Malami announced this in Abuja at a joint press briefing with the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Usman Alkali and personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS).
He did not provide details of where Kanu was arrested.
Below is the full text of the briefing:
“Self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been (rearrested) 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.
“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.”
Court remands him, fixes July 26 for trial
Meanwhile a Federal High Court, Abuja, Presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, on Tuesday, ordered that Kanu be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending the determination of his trial, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Justice Nyako gave the order after counsel to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Shuaibu Labaran, told the court that Kanu, who jumped bail, had been re-arrested and produced in court. Labaran asked the court for an order detaining the IPOB leader at the DSS facility pending the hearing and determination of the matter.
Justice Nyako, who granted the plea, adjourned the matter until July 26 for trial continuation.
However, no sooner had the judge ruled than Kanu indicated his interest to talk.
He told the court that he decided to go underground because his house was raided but he was able to escape. Kanu said if he had not escaped, he might have been killed like other members of the group.
The judge, who advised him not to feel discomfiture to stand his trial, urged him to get across to his lawyer for the trial.
A judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja had 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.
