Victor Ezeja
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has appealed to youths to exercise patience and avoid any act of violence or destruction of properties over the continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by the Nigerian government.
The apex Igbo sociocultural organisation made the appeal in a statement signed by President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelKanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Service, Nigeria’s secret police, since 2021, was on Tuesday, 19 March 2024, denied bail during a sitting of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Federal High Court, dismissed the fresh bail application filed by Kanu through his lawyers and ordered accelerated hearing of Federal Government’s seven-count charge against him that borders on treasonable felony.
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Kanu’s team of lawyers led by Mr. Alloy Ejimakor, on February 5, prayed the court to grant him bail on “most liberal terms” owing to his deteriorating health.
However, Federal Government’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, opposed the bail application, insisting that there was no guarantee that Kanu would make himself available for trial, after being released from detention.
The ruling dashed hopes of many that the IPOB leader would be released on bail.
Justice Nyako adjourned the case to April 17 to start trial.
In his statement, Ohanaeze President-General appeal urged the people to remain calm, adding that Kanu had repeatedly said he does not support violence, destruction of properties or bloodshed.
He expressed hope that Kanu would be by God’s grace.
His sstatement reads: “Today, Tuesday 19th March 2024 the Federal High Court Abuja deliberated on the case of our Son and Brother Mazi Nnamdi kanu. Nigerian youths expected that he will be granted bail after spending several months in incarceration. This case has been adjourned till 17th of April 2024.
“I wish to appeal to all Nigerian Youths to exercise some patience and avoid any act that would lead to the destruction of life and property. Mazi Nnamdi Kalu has made it very clear on many occasions that he will not support any act of arson or bloodshed.
“We put our trust in the divine providence of almighty God and by God’s grace Mazi Nnamdi Kalu will be free from incarceration very soon. I appeal to everyone to be patient.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
