Federal Government has continued to demand a stay of execution of the Appeal Court judgment that ordered the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Justice Haruna Tsanami however, reserved the judgment of the Federal Government’s application.
Justice Tsanami announced that a date for the delivery of judgment would be communicated to the parties as soon as possible.
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The Federal Government explained that Kanu poses threat to national security and hence must be held in detention to maintain peace.
The Federal Government’s counsel, David Kaswe, while arguing the motion for a stay of execution of the October 13 judgment delivered, informed the Appellate Court that Kanu had earlier demonstrated to be a flight risk.
Kaswe held that Kanu had fled the country when granted bail on the terrorism charges against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kaswe had told the court:
“My Lords, our concern, the concern of the Federal Government, is the threat the release of Kanu poses to the security of this country and its political, social and economic activities. We will not be able to lay hands upon him if he is allowed out of detention and finds his way out of the country.”
He, therefore, prayed to the court to stay the execution of the court judgment to enable Kanu to remain in custody pending when the Supreme Court would finally determine the pending appeal.
He informed the court that the government was in contempt of court by not obeying the October 13 judgment.
However, Ozekhome argued that only the release of his client would ensure peace and tranquillity in the South East and the entire country.
He said:
“My Lord, the action of the Federal Government in respect of Nnamdi Kanu is an insult, a slap in the face to this court. It is also an invitation to anarchy, and I humbly urge this court to dismiss the application for lack of merit.”
After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Tsanami announced that judgment had been reserved and that lawyers would be notified as soon as possible.
