By Adadareporters
Some supporters of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Monday, expressed optimism that Kanu would soon regain his freedom. They also expressed confidence in Kanu’s legal team during the proceedings, led by his Special Counsel, Barr Aloy Ejimakor.
Our correspondent reports that shortly after the hearing of Kanu’s bail application at an Abuja Federal High Court, many of his faithful took to their X to show solidarity to him.
Ejimakor had shortly after the hearing wrote via his X that, “The epic hearing to #FreeMNK is concluded. Judgment adjourned to 19th March, 2024.”
Reacting, one Adanma @Adanma1214, tweeted, “I honestly believe the dark forces of Igbo politicians, especially the governors, are all behind all this delay, but in the end, MNK will be released. All these internal and external saboteurs will be put to shame.”
Chidi Anuduchukwu @CAnuchukwu posted, “I have said this before, and will say it again: a square peg in a square whole is when a freedom fighter with dual nationality is equally being represented by a lawyer with a dual nationality. The cycle has been completed. Barr @AloyEjimakor is the right man for the job. Yes! #FreeMNK.”
Wisdom Chi Jeff @Wisdom75121563 wrote, “God is with you. I also thank Barrister Aloy Ejimakor and other genuine legal counsel. May God be in your case as you stand for MNK na aha Chukwu okike abiama, isee.”
Our correspondent reports that the court fixed March 19, 2024 for ruling on the bail application and preliminary objection to Kanu’s trial commencement. The court also fixed March 20, 2024 for the commencement of the resumed trial.
The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, fixed the date following the adoption of the court processes by the federal government’s counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, and that of Kanu, Barr Ejimakor.
The two legal luminaries had presented their arguments for and against the motions. Mr Ejimakor had argued that the IPOB leader should be granted bail because of his ill health.
Mr Awomolo (SAN), who replaced David Kaswe, a lawyer with the Federal Ministry of Justice, prayed the court to dismiss the bail application. He argued that the Department of State Services (DSS) has the medical facilities required to take care of the IPOB leader, adding that it amounted to an insult for Kanu’s lawyer to list what must be done before the trial would commence.
Kanu is facing multiple trials partaining to jumping bail, running a proscribed group and treason.
Kanu, in copious suits by his Special Counsel, Barr Ejimakor, had gotten favourable court judgements against the federal government. An Enugu State High Court last year ruled that the proscription of Kanu’s Indigenous People of Biafra by the Southeast Governors’ Forum amounted to the violation of his fundamental human rights, and awarded damages in his favour.
An Umuahia High Court also awarded damages in his favour on the ground that he did not jump bail, rather it was the federal government during the regime of former President Muhammadu Buhari that instigated the military invasion of Kanu’s country home despite that he was on bail. Kanu left the country in the aftermath of the invasion, prompting the federal government to apply for the revocation of his bail.
The Supreme Court has also ruled that the manner Kanu was arrested in Kenya and brought to Nigeria in 2021 amounted to violation of international laws. The court however refused Kanu’s application for the quashing of his trial having been extra-ordinarily renditioned from Kenya to Nigeria, as well as the fact that the Appeal Court had earlier discharged and acquitted him.
