A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has revoked the bail of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and ordered for his re-arrest.
Justice Binta Nyako of the High Court gave the order in a ruling on Thursday and explained that the court gave the order because of the defendant’s refusal to appear in court after his bail was granted in April 2017.
While a bench warrant would be issued in his absence, the trial would continue, the Judge said. She also ruled that a new date for the chosen by all parties despite Kanu’s absence.
She was ruling on an application filed by the prosecuting counsel, Mr Magaji Labaran, who had urged the court to try Kanu in absentia in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act since he has failed to make himself available for trial.
Mr Labaran also asked the court to revoke the bail granted to Kanu for failing to comply with bail conditions and appear in court.
Kanu was granted bail in April 2017 on health grounds, and was asked to present three sureties, one of whom must be a serving Senator, a Jewish religious leader and a highy respected person who owns a landed property in Abuja.
The court was adjourned until June 18.