Nnamdi Kanu: Heavy security presence as IPOB leader is set to appear in court

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Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is set to be arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako of the federal high court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Heavy security presence was notably seen around the court premises as reporters are barred from entering the courtroom premises by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Only lawyers who have proceedings before Justice Binta are allowed into the court premises, as Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor arrived around 9:08 am,

Charges against Kanu

• Count one: That Kanu committed an offence punishable under Section 41(c) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP. C77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
• Count two: That Kanu committed an offence contrary to Section 375 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C. 77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
• Count three: That he committed an offence contrary to Section 47 (2) of the Criminal Code of Act, Cap C45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
• Count four: That he committed an offence punishable under Section 16 Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act,2013.
• Count five: That committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(2) (h) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act.
• Count six: That he committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(2) (b) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.
• Count seven: That he (Kanu) committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(2) (b) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.

What you should know

On Monday, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation filed an amended 7-count terrorism charge against Kanu. He had earlier been arraigned on an 11-count charge bordering on treasonable felony.

As fresh charges have been filed against him, Kanu must take a plea of guilty or not guilty to new charges.

Kanu who holds a dual-citizenship is from Afaraukwu lbeku Umahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

On June 29, the Federal Government announced his repatriation back to Nigeria but media reports have it that he was brought back on June 27 from Kenya.

In case you missed it

In September, Nairametrics reported that Kanu was absent at the last adjourned date as DSS did not produce him in court, citing logistic reasons. The trial was adjourned for today, October 21.