Heavy security guards mount Abuja High Court as Nnamdi Kanu’s trial resumes

The Federal High Court in Abuja woke up to a heavy security presence as the Federal Government of Nigeria is set to resume the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

All major roads leading to the court, which is beside the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Justice, have been cordoned off by armed security operatives.

On December 15, 2023, the Supreme Court granted the Federal Government permission to proceed with the trial of the IPOB leader, who faces charges related to terrorism and treasonable felony.

Recall that the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, recently appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, said the detention of Kanu had “created unnecessary excuse for terrorism in a region whose people had, hitherto lived in peace and pursued their occupation wherever they were with patriotic zeal”.

He said his release would “highly prized Christmas Gift to the Igbo and other Nigerians committed to a peaceful and secure country”.

“I want, on behalf of all Igbo worldwide, to appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his good office to direct for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“Kanu’s case is well known to all Igbo and Nigerians. It is the belief of many that the release of Nnamdi Kanu does not constitute any threat to our democracy or social cohesion and peace.

“Besides, a Nigerian Court has passed a judgement directing that  Kanu should be released. Many Nigerians from the 36 States and Abuja have also made appeal for his release.

“As the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the leader of Igbo worldwide, I brought this matter up at a joint meeting of South-South, South-West, South-East and Middle-Belt of Nigeria and they unanimously endorsed that Kanu should be released”.