A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the latest bail application filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), citing that the request was “highly unmeritorious” and barred by statutory provisions governing criminal procedure in Nigeria.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that the court could not entertain an application amounting to a stay of proceedings in a criminal trial, citing Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
Kanu, who is representing himself, had argued that the charges against him were unlawful and disclosed no offence known to law.
He also claimed that the proceedings were a nullity and sought an order directing his release. However, Justice Omotosho held that Kanu’s request did not fall within the recognised categories of bail — namely bail pending trial or bail pending appeal — especially as he had already entered a defence.
The judge also noted that Kanu had filed multiple motions, including one seeking to refer “substantial constitutional issues” to the Court of Appeal, and another requesting the court to compel the prosecution to file a final written address.
Despite Kanu’s objections, Justice Omotosho insisted on delivering his judgment, stating that the court would address all issues raised in the defendant’s motion and accompanying written address in the final judgment.
