BY SAMUEL ALONGE
Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to enable him to receive medical treatment.
Kanu, who is facing charges of treasonable felony and terrorism, was granted bail on the condition that he produces three sureties with N100m each. One surety must be a serving senator, another must be a Jewish religious leader, and one must be a “highly respected” landed property owner in Abuja.
Justice Binta Nyako also prohibited the IPOB leader from being interviewed and gathering with a crowd of more than ten persons. Should Kanu violate these conditions, he will be re-arrested.
The presiding judge refused to grant bail to the three co-defendants standing trial alongside Kanu.
The three co-defendants are fellow Biafran activists Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.
The four IPOB members were re-arraigned for treasonable felony and terrorism charges. They originally faced an 11-count charge of treasonable felony, which was reduced to a five-count charge on March 1. Six other co-defendants were dismissed in that ruling.
Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, and former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, were present at the court in a display of solidarity with the Biafran agitators. Our correspondent noted that Biafra supporters were outside the court premises jubilating upon hearing the news of Kanu’s bail.