The Court of Appeal in Abuja reserved ruling in the application by President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime seeking to stay the execution of the judgement that freed the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

The three-member panel of justices led by Justice Haruna Tsammani reserved judgement on Monday after listening to arguments from counsel.

Mr Tsammani announced that a date for judgement would be communicated to all parties.

Arguing on behalf of the federal government, David Kaswe told the court that the major ground of their application was the country’s national security.

He said the application for a stay of execution was to allow for national security pending the hearing and determination of their appeal at the Supreme Court.

“If Kanu is released, he may not be available to face his charges in court because he had already jumped bail before.

“Releasing him will increase the state of insecurity in the South-East.”

Mr Kaswe urged the appellate court to grant the federal government’s application and not release Mr Kanu.

Mike Ozekhome, counsel to Mr Kanu, on his part, opposed the application for a stay of execution on grounds that it was a ploy to overrule the appellate court’s judgement.

“The release of Kanu will bring peace to the South-East, so there is no need to stay execution where there is no valid appeal,” Mr Ozekhome said.

On the issue that Mr Kanu had earlier jumped bail, Mr Ozekhome argued that the IPOB leader did not jump bail but escaped for his life when the federal government evaded his house.

Mr Ozekhome also predicated his objection because Mr Kanu had a terminal illness and needed comprehensive medical attention outside the State Security Service (SSS) custody.

The senior lawyer prayed the court to dismiss the application for a stay of execution, saying he would not ask for cost.

Earlier, the court had refused to grant the federal government’s request for adjournment but rather stood it down for counsel to peruse the necessary documents and argue their case.

Mr Kaswe had complained that he was served with a counter affidavit by Mr Ozekhome only on Friday.

The Appeal Court had, on October 13, voided the rendition of Mr Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria and discharged him.

After appealing the appellate court’s judgement, the government filed a stay of execution on grounds that releasing Mr Kanu would not be in the interest of national security.

(NAN)