The Federal Government has been granted permission by the Supreme Court to file nine new grounds of appeal against the release of pro-Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu. A five-member panel led by Justice John Okoro granted the leave on Thursday following the motion by the counsel to the Federal Government, Mr Tijani Gadzali.

The apex court also approved the inclusion of these nine new grounds in the amended notice of appeal that was dated 28th October 2022.

During the resumed hearing, Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, Mike Ozekhome, requested bail for his client and a transfer to the Kuje Correctional Facility to receive medical attention. He also prayed for an expedited hearing of the matter. However, the Federal Government’s counsel requested an adjournment to file a counter affidavit, citing his recent takeover of the case.

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The court advised Ozekhome to withdraw the pending motions to allow him to focus on the main appeal, as hearing the pending motion, particularly that seeking the transfer of Nnamdi Kanu, may delay the main suit’s hearing. The court fixed May 11 for the hearing of the pending motion and the main appeal.

The Appeal Court had earlier cleared Nnamdi Kanu of alleged treason and terrorism charges against him on October 13, 2022, dismissing the remaining six counts levelled against him by the Federal Government. However, the court later reversed its decision on October 28, 2022, ordering a stay of execution pending a hearing and determination of the appeal by the Supreme Court.