An Igbo cultural organization, Obinwannem Ndigbo Global Movement has called on the Nigerian Government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Okwu Kanu on adjourned date of trial slated on the 28th June, 2022.
A statement issued on Sunday, by the Director of Obinwannem Ndigbo Global Foundation, Ugwu Okechukwu said Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom is a major priority for the Igbos in general, calling on the Frderal Government to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB to ease the tension in the South-East region.
Ugwu said, “We the Obinwannem Ndigbo Global Foundation appeals to the Nigerian government to release our brother and mentor, Nnamdi Kanu to ease the pains the South-East region are suffering both physically, spiritually and economically. A lot of people in Igboland are dying on a daily basis due to the high level of insecurity, keeping Nnamdi Kanu has not resolved any of this violence and genocide, so for the intrest of peace, tranquility and justice we demand his immediate release as the trial resumes on June 28, let the application to grant him bail be approved”.
Meanwhile, Ifeanyi Ejiofor had announced on Wednesday that the Presiding Judge, Binta Nyako, has shifted the case that was earlier fixed May 26 to June 28, 2022.
Kanu was re-arraigned on an amended 15-count charge bordering on treasonable felony.
However, on April 8, the judge struck out eight of the 15-count charge.
While counts 6,7,9,10,11,12,13 and 14 were struck out, the defendant is to stand trial on counts 1,2,3,4,5,8 and 15.
Also, Mike Ozekhome, Kanu’s lead counsel, had moved an application for bail. He begged the court to consider the deteriorating health condition of the defendant.
But ruling on the bail application on May 18, the judge held that “the application is premature and refused with liberty to refile and reapply”. Nyako recalled that she granted the defendant bail in April 2017 after which he jumped bail.
She said until the defendant addresses the court on why he jumped bail for over four years, she will not grant any bail application.
Lolo Ijeoma Njoku Obinwannem News Writer / June 27, 2022
