TheCable

Some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra were at the federal high court in Abuja on Monday for the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed group. 

There was commotion as a policeman confronted members of the group outside the court.

There is currently a presence of heavy security at the court ahead of the trial of the IPOB leader.

The members, numbering about 30, arrived at the court but were not allowed into the court premises.

They gathered opposite the court, and started chanting in support of Kanu and demanding his freedom.

A police officer asked them to disperse. His request resulted in a heated exchange with the IPOB members which led to a hot chase.

They were later dispersed by policemen on guard.

Kanu was re-arraigned before Binta Nyako of the federal high court in Abuja on June 29 after being intercepted and extradited to Nigeria. His trial was adjourned till July 26 for hearing.

Kanu is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony instituted against him in response to years of campaign for the independent Republic of Biafra.

He was released in April 2017 for health reasons but jumped bail after flouting some of the conditions given to him by the court.

He fled Nigeria after soldiers raided his father’s residence in Abia state in November 2017.

Abubakar Malami had reportedly warned members of IPOB not to attend the court hearing.

He said Kanu’s lawyers will be allowed into the court premises, but added that branded IPOB T-shirts or caps will not be allowed.

But in response to Malami’s statement, Emma Powerful, IPOB spokesman, told Vanguard that members of the group have every right to be in court.

He added that IPOB members will be peaceful and orderly when they arrive at the court.