Nwachukwu: He Remained Compliant on Bail Before Departure

Media executive and political analyst Dr. Obinna Nwachukwu has challenged the widespread claim that IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deliberately violated his bail conditions. During an interview on Signature TV’s programme, The Conference, Nwachukwu argued that the narrative of Kanu jumping bail lacks concrete evidence.

He stated, “He is still on bail; I can’t recall him jumping bail while he was still in the country.” Nwachukwu emphasized that the 2017 military invasion of Kanu’s home in Abia State forced him to flee for his life. This event, he noted, triggered Kanu’s departure from Nigeria, making it a matter of survival rather than a willful breach of court orders.

Context of the Military Operation

Nwachukwu explained that the military operation resulted in the deaths of some of Kanu’s followers. “It is misleading to say he jumped bail when there was a military operation in his compound that led to the death of some of his followers. Anyone in that situation would have tried to save his life first,” he said. The analyst highlighted that Kanu’s sureties were never penalized, and his bail was never formally revoked by the court at that time.

He maintained that the IPOB leader’s arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021 represented a separate incident, not a direct consequence of bail violation. Nwachukwu criticized the government’s handling of the case, describing it as inconsistent and unjust.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

Calls for Judicial Fairness

Nwachukwu urged the judiciary to examine the full context of Kanu’s situation. He warned that prolonged detention without resolution deepens public distrust in legal institutions. He advocated for dialogue and lawful processes to resolve the matter, stressing that political exploitation of the case must cease. The continued focus on Kanu’s bail status, he insisted, overlooks the extraordinary circumstances that compelled his exit from Nigeria.