By Esther Alexander (ABUJA)-
According to the government Nnamdi Kanu, the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, was pursued by Nigerian security and intelligence agencies for more than two years before he was re-arrested.
Kanu was living “a five-star life across numerous nations,” according to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who revealed this at a media conference on Thursday in Abuja.
“He was travelling on chartered private jets, living in luxury apartments and turning out in designing clothes and shoes.
“Of course, as we all saw, he was wearing an attire made by Fendi, a luxury Italian fashion brand, when he was arrested,’’ he said.
Kanu’s re-arrest and repatriation, according to the minister, were made possible by Nigerian security and intelligence services working together.
He called the re-arrest and return “one of the world’s most classic operations of its kind.”
Mohammed, on the other hand, remained silent on rumors about how the re-arrest was carried out and in which nation the previously fugitive leader of the proscribed IPOB.
“What we can tell you, once again, is that the re-arrest was made possible by the diligent efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, in collaboration with countries with which we have obligations.
“We will continue to respect and honour the obligations,’’ he said
In a NAN report, Mohammed disclosed that the forensic investigation carried out so far had revealed a treasure trove of information on the proscribed IPOB leader and his collaborators.
“While the investigation continues, we assure you that none of the collaborators, irrespective of their standing in the society, will be spared.
“They will all face the full wrath of the law for their activities that challenge our nation’s sovereignty and threaten its unity.
“No one, no matter how highly placed, is bigger than the country,’’ he said.
The minister also assured that Kanu would get a fair trial in measure with the offence he was being prosecuted over.
“It is interesting that many are suddenly calling for a fair trial for Kanu as if he didn’t get one before he decided to jump bail and flee.
“However, I can assure you that the fair deal that Kanu denied many of the victims of the violence which he willfully instigated through his broadcasts and tweets will not be denied him,’’ he said.
He commended the Nigerian security and intelligence agencies for their professionalism, diligence, patriotism and painstaking efforts as well as sister international agencies that collaborated to pull off the arrest.
Adding that, Kanu, who is facing an 11-count charge of treason, treasonable felony, terrorism and illegal possession of firearms, among others, jumped bail in 2017 and left the country.
He was re-arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday and ordered to be remanded in the custody of the DSS, while the case was adjourned till July 26 and July 27.