Kanu and a co-accused in court today

 Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra will stay in prison longer than he had expected.

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday dismissed his bail application. The trial judge, Justice James Tsoho said  he should remain in prison custody till the determination of his treasonable felony case.

He, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawusi are facing a six-count charge bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism .

Kanu was arrested in Lagos by operatives of the DSS on  October 14, 2005.

He has been in detention since then, despite campaigns for his freedom by his separatist group and others.

Kanu who lives in Britain is also the director of the pirate Radio Biafra.

Before the bail ruling, Kanu had objected to his representation by  Nnoruka Udechukwu (SAN). 

At the resumed hearing, Kanu brought a handwritten letter dated January 25, 2016 listing Chuks Momah (SAN) and Ifeanyi Ejiofor as his preferred counsels.

 Udechukwu, who appeared during his bail hearing, announced his withdrawal from the case. Also, Joe Agi (SAN) complained that his name was not contained in the letter despite appearing for the defendants.

 Momah urged the court to deliver the bail ruling without appearances to enable the defence team, numbering about 20, to sort out the matter afterwards, adding that they had agreed to appear together in the hearing. 

 But Udechukwu argued that the letter has presented him as an impostor in the matter. He urged the court to record that he wished to withdraw from the case.