Nnamdi Kanu Says No Nigerian Court Can Try Him for Terrorism as Bail Request Rejected
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal High Court has dismissed Nnamdi Kanu’s plea for bail and his request to be transferred to Kuje prison. Justice Binta Nyako delivered the ruling, rejecting Kanu’s appeals for bail restoration and a transfer from Department of State Services (DSS) custody to Kuje prison.
Court’s Ruling
Justice Nyako reiterated previous concerns over Kanu’s evasion of justice, citing his escape from the country and the inability of his sureties to locate him as key factors in the decision. The judge emphasized that Kanu’s only option now is to go to the Court of Appeal and exercise his right of appeal.
The judge also addressed Kanu’s lead counsel’s claim that the Supreme Court held that the earlier bail granted to Kanu ought not to have been revoked. Justice Nyako stated that after reviewing the Supreme Court judgment, she found no such indication.
Kanu’s Defiant Stance
Following the court’s decision, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), vociferously asserted that he cannot be tried in any Nigerian court for terrorism-related offenses. In a video shared by Channels TV, Kanu insisted that any attempt to put him on trial would constitute a breach of Nigeria’s Constitution and international laws.
Kanu cited the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, specifically Section 2, Subsection 3(f), to support his claim that his trial in Nigeria would be illegal. “Terrorism Prohibition and Prevention Act said that I cannot be tried in Nigeria, that is the law of Nigeria. I can never be tried in any court of law in Nigeria. That is what the law says,” Kanu declared.
He further stressed, “Anyone standing in trial or coming to try me is a terrorist. That is what the law says, not me.”
### Legal and Political Implications
The ruling and Kanu’s defiant statements come amidst heightened tensions and ongoing legal battles between Kanu, IPOB, and the Nigerian government. Kanu’s stance has sparked significant debate over the interpretation of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act and its implications for high-profile cases.
### Next Steps
With the Federal High Court dismissing his applications, Kanu’s legal team is expected to pursue an appeal, continuing the contentious legal process that has drawn both national and international attention.
For now, Kanu remains in DSS custody, and the legal and political ramifications of his case continue to unfold.
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