TheCable

The Abia state government says it is certain that the judiciary will ensure a free and fair trial for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In June, Kanu was arrested and extradited to Nigeria to face trial for alleged treason.

TheCable had reported how Kanu was lured to an African country with the promise of a donation, and then arrested.

The IPOB leader is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony over his campaign for secession, and proposed establishment of the Republic of Biafra.

In a statement on Friday, John Okiyi Kalu, Abia information commissioner, said the state government is “actively monitoring” the situation.

“Abia State Government is actively monitoring the situation with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is an indigene of the state and is currently under trial at a Federal High Court in Abuja, with a view to ensuring that his fundamental human rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic, are respected,” Kalu said.

“We remain in touch with his family members, other relevant persons and institutions, and receive regular updates through them on the situation.

“The Abia State Government is confident that the judiciary will ensure a free and manifestly fair trial for him and others as they remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.”

The commissioner said residents and visitors in the state should continue to be law-abiding and avoid any act that might lead to a breakdown of law and order.

“While Government will not compel anyone wishing to sit at home for any reason whatsoever not to do so, as citizens have freedom of movement under the extant Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we wish to strongly advice that nobody should also compel or enforce any sit-at-home order from any non state actor as doing so does not serve any known interests of the people of the state,” he said.

“Furthermore, compelling our children to stay away from school can only serve the interests of the yet-to-be-properly identified persons who may not want to see us make progress as a people.”