The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has rejected the bail application of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Justice Binta Nyako, in a ruling, held that since Mr Kanu was earlier granted bail in 2017 and jumped the bail, the court must first determine the real reason he jumped the bail before he reapplied for another one.

Ms Nyako then dismissed the bail application.

On April 8, the court exonerated the federal government on the allegation that the leader of the IPOB was forcefully abducted abroad to stand his trial.

Ms Nyako, in a ruling, held that rendition for criminal investigation is allowed.

The judge said since Mr Kanu was on a bench warrant, the law allowed that he could be arrested and be brought to face his trial anywhere he was sighted.

Ms Nyako, who dismissed the IPOB leader’s move to challenge the terrorism charge, upheld seven counts in the fresh charge filed by the federal government against the IPOB leader.

She said that the federal government, through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), had been able to establish some allegations against Mr Kanu in counts one, two, three, four, five, eight and 15.

After reviewing the 15 counts, she held that about eight of the counts appeared to be similar and did not disclose action.

She, therefore, ordered that counts six, seven, nine, 10, 11, 12 13 and 14 should be struck out.

She dismissed the argument of Mike Ozekhome, counsel for Mr Kanu, that whether IPOB was a terrorist organisation under the Nigerian law or not was still a subject of an appeal.

(NAN)