On Thursday, the Supreme Court approved the federal government’s request to file nine new grounds of appeal in the case of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The application was made by the government’s counsel, Tijani Gadzali, who sought to include the new grounds as part of the amended notice of appeal dated October 28, 2022. A five-member panel led by John Okoro granted the application during the court session.

During the hearing, Kanu’s lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome, informed the panel of some applications related to his client’s bail, based on his “deteriorating” health. Ozekhome requested that the apex court grant Kanu bail or order his transfer to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive appeal. However, the prosecution objected to the request, stating that the Department of State Services (DSS) facility is adequately equipped to cater to any health conditions Kanu may be experiencing.

After listening to the arguments, the Supreme Court panel advised Ozekhome to withdraw his applications to enable a speedy hearing of the main case.