IPOB: Timeline Of Nnamdi Kanu’s Arrest And Trial

All is set for the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after his re-arrest on Sunday, June 27, 2021.

The IPOB leader appeared in court and his case was adjourned until July 26 and 27.

Attorney General and Justice Minister Abubakar Malami disclosed that Nnamdi Kanu was detained on June 27 and "brought back" to Nigeria, but he did not say from where.

Nnamdi Kanu wants Nigeria to break up, saying the people of Eastern Nigeria have been marginalized for so long, under successive Nigerian governments. But the apex government continues to say "no".

The Muhammadu Buhari administration has also accused Kanu's outlawed group, IPOB, of being responsible for recent deadly attacks on public facilities and security operatives in the South-South and South-East regions of Nigeria.

Below Are Timeline of Nnamdi Kanu’s Arrest And Trial

October 14, 2015 — Kanu was arrested in Lagos, and was detained for more than a year.

He was arraigned by the Federal Government on an 11-count charge bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony.

November 23, 2015 — Kanu was arraigned at the Abuja Magistrate Court for charges of “criminal conspiracy, intimidation and membership of an illegal organisation” by the Department of State Services (DSS).

April 28, 2017 — Kanu was released from detention on bail. He was granted bail by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

March 28, 2019 — Justice Binta Nyako revoked the bail that was granted to Kanu on health grounds and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

September 2017 — Kanu disappeared from public radar after his home was raided by the military.

He reportedly fled the country after the invasion of his home in Afara-Ukwu near Umuahia, Abia State, during military’s ‘Operation Python Dance II’ staged to quell the agitation for the Biafra Republic in September 2017.

September 20, 2017 — The federal government obtained a court order to designate IPOB a terrorist group and to proscribe it.

February 19, 2018 — The Federal High Court in Abuja ordered that Kanu, be separately tried from the rest of his co-defendants.

He was facing a five-count treasonable felony charge alongside four other pro-Biafra agitators – Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi and Bright Chimezie.

November 26, 2020 — A Federal High Court in Abuja commenced Kanu’s trial, in his absence. Five prosecution witnesses were provided to testify against Kanu.

January 27, 2021 — The Federal High Court Abuja continued the trial of Kanu. The matter was initially fixed for hearing on Nov. 26, but when it was called, both Kanu and his counsel, Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor were absent in court.

The notice was served on the federal government’s prosecution team and Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the defendant’s counsel.

June 27, 2021 — The Federal Government in collaboration with security agencies apprehended and brought Kanu back to Nigeria.

June 29, 2021 — The Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered that Kanu, be remanded in the Department of State Service (DSS) facility, pending the trial continuation.