The Supreme Court is set to announce its decision on the appeals presented by both the federal government and Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Friday. The appeals revolve around the previous Court of Appeal ruling that nullified the treasonable felony charge against Kanu and ordered his release. The government is seeking to overturn this judgment, arguing that Kanu should stand trial for the charge. On the other hand, Kanu is urging the Supreme Court to uphold the Court of Appeal’s decision and affirm his discharge and acquittal.
The federal government, represented by Tijani Gazali (SAN), urged the Supreme Court to set aside the Court of Appeal’s ruling and reinstate the trial court’s judgment, which upheld the charges against Kanu. Meanwhile, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), representing Kanu, requested the court to dismiss the government’s appeal and support Kanu’s cross-appeal, emphasizing the need for justice in the matter.
Ozekhome highlighted that Kanu has been in custody since June 29, 2021, despite a previous court order for his release. He urged the court to use this case to illustrate the importance of protecting citizens’ rights, citing previous legal precedents.
The Court of Appeal, in its previous judgment, faulted the government’s actions in bringing Kanu back to Nigeria and subsequently quashed the remaining counts in the treasonable felony charge. The Court found fault in the government’s approach, stating that it violated international laws and engaged in an unlawful abduction instead of following extradition procedures.
This legal saga began with the Federal High Court striking out eight counts from the original 15-count charge against Kanu, leading to the subsequent rulings by higher courts.
