After being in detention since October 14th, 2015, when he was arrested by security operatives upon his arrival to Nigeria from the United Kingdom, Nnamdi Kanu has been granted bail.
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja reached a decision to grant bail to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony; on health grounds.
The case which was presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, had been a back and forth affair, owing to certain unavoidable circumstances; but today, Trial Justice Binta Nyako dowsed the tension with a judgment which seems to have stirred up excitement among IPOB faithful's, while causing an opposite reaction in the Federal Government's camp.
The court held that Kanu must produce three sureties, including a “highly respected and recognised jewish leader”.
According to the court, aside a jewish leader, Kanu must also produce a “highly placed person of Igbo extraction such as a Senator”, as well as “a highly respected person who is resident and owns landed property in Abuja”. The sureties are to deposit N100million each.
As part of his conditions for bail, Kanu, was expressly barred from attending any rally or granting any form of interview.
The judge warned, “I must stress it here that the defendant must not attend any rally. He must not be in a crowd exceeding 10 persons.”
Justice Nyako equally held that Kanu must sign an undertaken to make himself available for trial at all times.
Kanu was ordered to submit his Nigerian and British international passports, even as the court compelled the Federal Government to return his wedding ring and reading glasses, which was seized from him upon detention.
Unlike Kanu, his co-defendants, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi were denied bail by the court which has fixed July 11 and 12 to commence their trial. Meanwhile, Kanu has been returned to Kuje Prison pending perfection of his bail conditions.
In attendance for the trial was, Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, alongside dignitaries.
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