IPOB: No Reprieve For Kanu

By James Orji

No reprieve is coming the way of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, following the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja not to grant him bail.

Kanu, who is currently in detention, is being prosecuted by the Federal Government on charges bordering on terrorism and treason.

Prominent leaders from the region have been appealing to the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for his release from detention.

But those watching the trial of the IPOB strongman, who is currently in the custody of Department of State Services, DSS,  insist that he’s not likely to regain his freedom while President  Buhari remains in office.

While on a State visit to Ebonyi State, penultimate week, the President re-affirmed his earlier position, to Igbo leaders, that the IPOB leader will not be released until the case runs its full course in the Court.

He spoke during a meeting with leaders of the region at the Government House in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, on Friday.

Buhari, had last November, told Igbo leaders, led by First Republic Aviation Minister, Mbazulike Amaechi, that he will not interfere with the court process.

While ruling on the bail application for Kanu, brought by his counsel, Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Justice Binta Nyako, held that “the application is premature and refused with liberty to re-file and re-apply”.

The Judge cited the decision of the IPOB leader  to jump bail when he was granted bail in 2017.

Until Kanu explains why he jumped bail four years ago, Nyako said he will not be granted bail.

Kanu, had in 2018 claimed that the federal government granted him bail in order to cage him.

“They gave me conditional bail to cage me and IPOB but I refused,” Kanu said in a statement by Emma Powerful, IPOB spokesman.

However, it has been pointed out that Kanu was forced to flee to safely after the Army invaded his father’s Palace where he was, and shot at people, and allegedly killing a couple of them, including the family dog. Until the incident which also forced his parents to flee, Kanu was enjoying the bail in his Afaraukwu Abia State Community.

Sadly, his parents both died in exile. Both were buried same day.