UPDATE: Court orders Nnamdi Kanu removed from SSS custody

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to be transferred to Kuje prison in Abuja, pending the determination of the charge against him.

Mr. Kanu is facing a six-count charge of treasonable felony, along with two others, David Nwawusi, and Benjamin Madubugwu.

He was also charged for allegedly maintaining an unlawful organisation, and for illegal possession of firearms.
At the opening of session Wednesday, Mr. Kanu’s counsel, Vincent Obeta, prayed the court to allow his client be taken to Kuje prison for ease of access to him.

The counsel to the federal government, and deputy director of prosecution, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Diri, however asked the court to allow Mr. Kanu’s continued detention by the SSS for ease of delivery to court sittings.

In his ruling, the judge, John Itsoho, agreed with Mr. Obeta, and ordered Mr. Kanu taken to Kuje prison, pending the termination of his bail application on January 25.

Mr. Kanu, who was arrested by the SSS as he returned to Nigeria, has been in detention since October.

Calls for his release led to demonstrations in several south east states.