Appeal Court Deals Nnamdi Kanu a heavy blow...

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has denied a bail application by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In a unanimous judgment on Wednesday, May 25, a three-man panel of justices of the appellate court led by Justice Abdul Aboki, affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court to deny Kanu’s bail application, Premium Times reports.

Kanu, who is facing treason charges, alongside two others, Benjamin Madubgwu and James Nwawuisi, at the Federal High Court Abuja had gone before the appellate court to challenge what they termed “strange procedure” adopted in their trial.

The IPOB leader, through his counsel, Chucks Muoma asked the appellate court to determine whether the ruling by Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court was not an aberration of his fundamental rights as stipulated in the constitution.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal held that the lower court was right in relying upon Mr. Kanu’s dual citizenship, as a basis for denying his application for bail.

Justice Aboki who read the lead judgment, said Kanu’s possession of both Nigerian and British passports increased the likelihood of him jumping bail if released from detention. The chances of Kanu returning to his other country was high, and the laws of his other country may prevent the trial from reaching its logical end.

Aboki also stated that the Federal High Court acted within its jurisdiction in the said ruling, and hence affirmed the ruling of the court. “The lower court has the power to exercise its discretion on the matter and the exercise of such discretion by the trial judge did not amount to denial of fair hearing to the defendant."

“The issues are resolved against the appellants. Ruling of the trial court is hereby upheld,” he said.

Kanu has been as been in detention since October 14, 2015, when he was arrested by security operatives upon his arrival to Nigeria from his base in the United Kingdom.