The legal team representing Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), has called on the Federal Government to either drop the terrorism charges against him or grant him bail to allow for adequate preparation for his trial.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the team expressed concerns over Kanu’s detention conditions at the Department of State Services (DSS), describing them as “very hostile” and unfit for his defence preparation.
Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s Special Counsel, highlighted the detrimental impact of the detention environment on his ability to prepare for court. He noted that Kanu’s previous outburst in court, where he requested the trial judge’s recusal, stemmed from feelings of being denied his fundamental right to a fair trial.
Another attorney on the team, Barrister Nnaemeka Ejiofor, clarified that Kanu’s actions were not intended as a sign of disrespect but rather an exercise of his constitutional rights.
Furthermore, lawyer Jude Ugwanyi attributed ongoing insecurity challenges in the Southeast region to Kanu’s continued denial of bail, suggesting that addressing his situation might alleviate some tensions in the area.
The legal team’s calls come amid rising scrutiny over Kanu’s detention and its implications for regional stability. As of now, the government has yet to respond to these requests, and Kanu remains in custody while awaiting further developments in his case .
