Nigeria, being a federal state, is naturally disinclined to endorse the secession of the Biafran people.
The pertinent question arises: does the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have the right to demand secession? Clearly, the Nigerian government has intervened decisively.
On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the bail application of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, opting instead for an expedited trial.
During the proceedings, Alloy Ejimakor, counsel for the IPOB leader, pleaded for Kanu’s release on bail, citing his deteriorating health and the alleged threat to his life while in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Ejimakor further contended that Kanu’s continued detention jeopardized his ability to mount an effective defense, although the validity of this argument is debatable.
However, the defense counsel’s submission prompted skepticism: does it imply an inability to adequately defend him?
In response, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), representing the Federal Government, urged the court to reject the bail application and expedite the trial.
Awomolo pointed out the DSS’s capability to provide medical care for Kanu and accused him of previously absconding bail, without providing assurances against repeating the offense.
Kanu had been previously granted bail on health grounds in April 2017 after spending 18 months in detention. However, he fled the country following a military raid on his residence in September 2017.
The outcome of Nnamdi Kanu’s trial seems predictive, however we can not be too certain
