A few hours after leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu reappeared before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Binta Nyako, yesterday, the Federal Government has disclosed that he was intercepted and arrested through collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and security services.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Abubakar Malami, who briefed the media in company of Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Ahmed, however, declined to disclose where he was nabbed.
But contrary to wild speculation that the IPOB leader was arrested in the United Kingdom, Daily Sun gathered that his interception took place in Czech Republic.
A privileged source disclosed that the IPOB leader had travelled from England to Singapore for undisclosed reasons before heading to Czech Republic last Friday. The unconfirmed source said with the tip-off from the Czech Republic officials to Nigerian government, Kanu was arrested in Prague.
According to Malami: “Self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Kanu, has been intercepted 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 12 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 September, 1967 at Afaraukwu, Abia state Nigeria, 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, improper importation of goods, among others.
“A judge at the Federal Hgh Court, Abuja on 28th March, 2019, 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 the Nigerian state and institutions,
“Kanu was also accused of instigating violence especially in south-eastern Nigeria that resulted in the loss of lives and property of civilians, military, paramilitary, police forces and destruction of civil institutions and symbols of authorities.”
Kanu was hitherto facing five-count treasonable felony charge alongside the four other defendants – Bright Chimezie, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.
The court had since separated Kanu’s trial from that of his co-defendants.
Sun
