Kanu returns to SSS custody as court rules on bail Thursday

Radio Biafra’s director, Nnamidi Kanu, lost another opportunity to secure his freedom Monday when a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja adjourned its decision on the bail application of the defence counsel and the counter argument for fresh 90-day detention for the accused.

The counsel to the State Security Service prosecuting Kanu for sponsoring terrorism against Nigeria asked the court to disregard the bail application because of the seriousness of the offence.

According to Moses Idakwo, the SSS has evidence of bank accounts belonging to Kanu who was receiving monies in dollars and pound sterling for the purpose of terrorizing Nigeria.

Citing Section 27 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, he sued for the SSS holding onto the accused for 90 days again. He stated further that Kanu has dual citizenship, and, if freed, he could bail out of the country.

He added that the bail conditions initially given by the magistrate court are yet to be fully met.

Kanu, who also heads the Indigenous People of Biafra, was arrested in October by the SSS, and has spent the last 90 days in detention despite three court orders—all disregarded by the agency—for his release.

Vincent Obeta, counsel to Kanu, said the SSS allegations are speculative, and that his client is ready to meet the expenses required by the Abuja Geographic Information System to authenticate the properties Kanu’s surety provided.

After hearing both arguments, the judge promised he would look into the matter, and will be delivering his ruling on the bail application December 17.