Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has explained reasons why he abandoned his trial by the Nigerian Judicial system and escaped out of the country in 2017.
Kanu, who was re-arrested and brought back to Nigeria on Sunday, June 27, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he fled Nigeria to save his life.
His appearance before the court came after the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, disclosed to journalists that Kanu was “intercepted” by security agents following a collaborative effort between security agencies in Nigeria and the Interpol.
Shortly after he was docked before trial Justice Binta Nyako by the Federal Government, Kanu asked for permission of the court to speak even though he was without his lawyer.
He said his disappearance from Nigeria was due to the ‘unlawful invasion’ of his house by security agents, an operation that resulted in the death of many innocent people according to him.
“My lord, my house was invaded and people were killed. I would have been killed too if I had not hid myself. That was why I have been unable to attend court.” He said according to reporting by Vanguard.
“I would have been killed the way others were killed when my house was invaded,” Kanu added.
The case has been adjourned till July 26 for continuation of the trial.
The court further directed the Prosecution to notify Kanu’s lawyer, even as it remanded him in custody of the DSS.