The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu was arrested in the United Kingdom and brought to the Federal High Court, Abuja by heavy security operatives. According to reports, he was blindfolded and handcuffed, with legs chained as he was sneaked into the courtroom by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The prosecution stated that Kanu jumped bail. Hence, he wanted the accused to be remanded in custody of the DSS. The application was granted by the court. Thereafter, the case was adjourned till July 26, 2021 by Justice Muritala Nyanko. The press were barred from making any videos the IPOB leader as he was shielded and taken through the back door.
Offences against Nnamdi Kanu
In a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), listed the Kanu’s alleged offences.
They include jumping bail, engaging in subversive activities and inciting violence through various media outlets.
Malami continued, “The self acclaimed leader of the proscribed secessionist IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has been arrested through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and security services. He has been brought back to Nigeria in order to continue facing trial. This was after disappearing while on bail regarding 11 count charges 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.”
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“It is recalled that Kanu was arrested on 14th October, 2015 on 11 count charges 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 grounds. 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 South-eastern 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.”
Nigerians react to his arrest
Former presidential aspirant and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore said, “There is nothing wrong with asking for self-determination. Nnamdi Kanu has rights to ask for self-determination. I’m here to see that Nnamdi Kanu gets justice, but unfortunately he has been moved to be detained. I fear for his safety. He was hooded. This is despicable. This just shows that we are in the Banana Republic.
“The way he was treated was despicable. The system has a way of abducting people and bringing them to court. I have been abducted like that before.”
@Tee_Classiquem1 tweeted, ‘’Federal Government can go as far as collaborating with Interpol just to arrest Nnamdi Kanu. But Gumi is still walking freely and Isa Pantami still has an office in Abuja.’’
@firstladyship tweeted, ‘’IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest & Twitter ban has shown that Nigeria has all it takes to arrest Sheikh Gumi, end banditry & Boko Haram/ISWAP menace in Nigeria. Sani Abacha said & I quote, ‘’any insurgency that lasts more than 24hrs, government officials have a hand in it.’’
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Investigative journalist, David Hundeyin said, ‘’I have to be careful about how I word this. But assuming Nnamdi Kanu was indeed extradited or arrested with international help, I want to know under what legal framework this happened. I get that he’s persona non grata in Nigeria. But who gave him up and why?’’
Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest caught many persons unawares. Although the IPOB leader was not shielded from any offence, the question on everyone’s lips still points at the lackadaisical attitude of the government in tackling banditry issues. Yet, they engage resources and put great effort into arresting people considered to be as enemies of the state.
Hence, the people are asking: Who will arrest the boko haram terrorists? When will the government arrest the Fulani herdsmen terrorizing various areas in the country? Will the government arrest the individuals threatening the peace of the nation? Time will tell.
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