Alleged treasonable felony: FG brings 9 new grounds against Kanu’s release

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Federal Government, has secured leave from the Supreme Court, to bring nine new grounds of appeal against the release the leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.
The apex court also asked them to include these nine new grounds as part of the its amended notice of appeal dated 28th October 2022.
A five member panel led by Justice John Okoro granted the leave while ruling on the motion by the counsel to the FG, Tijani Gadzali.
At the resumed hearing, Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, Chief Mike Ozekhome, informed the court of his motions seeking for bail of his client and another seeking for his transfer to Kuje correctional facility to get proper medical attention.
Ozekhome hammered on Kalu’s failing health at the Department of State Security (DSS) custody.
Consequent to the above, the senior lawyer prayed for an accelerated hearing of the matter.
Speaking on the motion for transfer of Kanu out of the custody of the DSS, the Counsel to the federal government, prayed for an adjournment to file a counter affidavit, stating that he just took over the matter.
As it seems likely that hearing of the motion particularly that seeking transfer of Nnamdi Kanu may likely delay hearing of the main suit, the court advised Ozekhome to withdraw the pending motions and enable him focus on the main appeal.
Subsequently, the court fixed May 11, for hearing on the pending motion and the main appeal.
Recall that the Appeal court had on October 13, 2022, cleared Nnamdi Kanu of Alleged treason and terrorism charges against him after dismissing the remaining six counts levelled against him by the federal government.
The Appeal court panel faulted the process of extraditing him back to Nigeria from Kenya on grounds of it being in breach of International Protocol.
Another panel of the same court however, on the 28th October, 2022, reversed it’s earlier decision ordering stay of execution pending hearing and determination of the appeal of the supreme court.
The counsel to the Federal Government, however declined to speak on its nine new grounds of appeal against Nnamdi Kanu’s release.