Separatist leader denied bail in Nigeria

The federal high court in Nigeria has denied a bail request for the separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is standing trial accused of terrorism and broadcasting falsehoods.

The charges against Mr Kanu, who leads a banned group called the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob), are linked to broadcasts he made in support of the secession of the mainly Igbo-speaking region of south-east Nigeria.

Five years ago while Mr Kanu was on bail, he fled the country.

But he was controversially captured last year - reportedly in Kenya - and taken back to Nigeria.

Despite low level clashes in the south-east, the pro-Biafra movement says it wants to achieve independence without violence, and has mounted a civil disobedience campaign, crippling local economic activity.

This article originally appeared in BBC News

Photo: AFP