How Nnamdi Kanu was intercepted and brought back to Nigeria – AGF

By our reporter| The federal government has explained how Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was intercepted and brought back to Nigeria.

Nigeria’s attorney general and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami who made the disclosure on Tuesday at a press briefing at the ministry of justice in Abuja, said Kanu was arrested on Sunday through the joint efforts of the intelligence and security services.

“Self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Kanu, has been intercepted through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and Security Services,” Malami said.

“He has been brought back to Nigeria, in order to continue facing trial after disappearing, while on bail regarding 12 count charge against him.

“Recent steps taken by the Federal Government saw to the interception of the fugitive Kanu on Sunday the 27th day of June 2021.

“Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Ngozichukwu Okwu-Kanu, born 25th September, 1967 at Afaraukwu, Abia state Nigeria, is a holder of Nigerian Passport No A05136827, first issued 17th October, 2013, at FESTAC, Lagos,

“It is recalled that Kanu was arrested on 14th October 2015 on 11 count charge bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms, improper importation of goods, among others.

“A judge at the Federal Hgh Court, Abuja on 28th March 2019, revoked Kanu’s bail that was granted him on health ground and issued a bench warrant for his arrest on the same date, over his failure to appear in court for hearing.

“He has, upon jumping bail, been accused of engaging in subversive activities that include inciting violence through television, radio, and online broadcasts against the Nigerian state and institutions,

“Kanu was also accused of instigating violence especially in south-eastern Nigeria that resulted in the loss of lives and property of civilians, military, paramilitary, police forces and destruction of civil institutions and symbols of authorities.”

At the end of the briefing, Malami did not, however, take questions from reporters who wanted more light thrown on the finer details of the IPOB leader’s arrest and repatriation back to Nigeria as his recent history on Twitter shows he tweeted every day up till Monday.

At the end of  Malami’s press conference, which was immediately followed by a court appearance put together to obtain an order for Kanu’s detention in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS), what was clear was that the IPOB leader was back in the country after almost six years abroad.

Where, when, and how he was brought to Nigeria remain a matter of speculation.