The leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, or IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, failed his attempt to be released from the Department of State Services’ (DSS) custody on Tuesday. Instead, the seven-count terrorism allegation that was preferred against Kanu was given an expedited hearing by the sitting court, Justice Binta Nyako.
His attorney, Aloy Ejimakor, accused President Bola Tinubu of being responsible for Kanu’s prolonged detention in an exclusive conversation with the reporters just after the court session. He expresses his complete unhappiness with the court’s ruling, the upcoming plan, and other matters. Take-outs:
Could you please let us know what you plan to do after the court judgment from today (Tuesday)?
This evening, we were talking about windows as alternatives. In reference to the two applications we want to submit for consideration on the upcoming postponed date of April 17, we have good cause to think they have some value. I do not wish to bring the court into disrepute by bringing up the subject matter. Nope. It is important to keep in mind, though, that your judicial correspondent will likely receive a copy of the application as soon as it is brought, and it will then be disclosed to the public domain.
Having said that, what we saw today startled us in that it was possible for justice to be overturned in this day and age for something as trivial as being given bail. As to Section 35, each and every Nigerian is qualified for bail. The burden of proving why the bail shouldn’t be granted is with the government. There might be further needs in this case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to thwart the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, section 162, which requires us to provide proof of extraordinary circumstances, which we did.
First, there was his poor health; second, there was the excessive delay in the case’s trial; and third, the goalposts were changed from treasonable felony. Treasonable felonies are no longer a thing. We have cases pertaining to terrorism. Thus, there have been a few unbearable delays on the part of the administration. These are the items to take into account.
