The federal government on Tuesday has announced that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has been arrested.
The Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami disclosed this in a statement while addressing Journalists on Tuesday.
Malami disclosed that the fleeing IPOB leader was intercepted and arrested on Sunday, June 27th by security operatives and brought back to the country for the continuation of his trial.
He said Kanu will soon be brought before the Federal High Court where he jumped bail.
According to Malami, Charges levelled against Kanu include terrorism, treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms and management of an unlawful society.
Explaining how the IPOB Leader was arrested to Newsmen, Malami said Kanu was arrested through collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and security services.
Malami said “Self-aclaimed leader of the proscribed secessionist Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and security services.”
“He has been brought back to Nigeria in order to continue facing trial after disappearing while on bail regarding 11 count charge against him.
“Recent steps taken by the Federal Government saw to the interception of the fugitive Kanu on Sunday the 27th day of June, 2021.
“Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Ngozichukwu Okwu-Kanu, born 25th day of September, 1967 at Afaraukwu, Abia State is a holder of Nigerian Passport No. A05136827 first issued 17th October 2013 at FESTAC, Lagos.
“It is recalled that Kanu was arrested on 14th October, 2015 on 11 count charge bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods, among others.
“A judge at the Federal High Court, Abuja revoked Kanu’s bail that was granted him on health ground and issued a bench warrant for his arrest on the same date, over his failure to appear in court for hearing.
“He has, upon jumping bail, been accused of engaging in subversive activities that include inciting violence through television, radio and online broadcasts against Nigeria and Nigerian State and institutions.
“Kanu was also accused of instigating violence especially in the Southeastern Nigeria that resulted in the loss of lives and property of civilians, military, para military, police forces and destruction of civil institutions and symbols of authorities.”
DAILY GIST recalls that Kanu was granted bail in April 2017 for health reasons but skipped bail after flouting some of the conditions given to him by the court including a ban on public speaking.
The case has been scheduled for July 26 and July 27 2021 for hearing while Kanu has been remanded with the Department of State Services.
Kanu had been in a running battle with the administration of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, over his quest for the secession of the South-East geopolitical zone.
Buhari government had in September 2017 outlawed IPOB and declared that the activities of the group constituted an act of terrorism and illegality
IPOB had also formed the Eastern Security Network but the security outfit has no backing of the governors of the South-East. It has, therefore, been at loggerheads with state-authorised security agencies like the police and the army.
The police have also accused IPOB’s ESN operatives of being the masterminds of attacks on police stations, prisons and symbols of democracy in the zone.
