In a recent development, the Supreme Court of Nigeria declined to order the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from detention.
The apex court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, but written by Justice Garba Lawal, voided and set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal. The latter had, in October last year, ordered Kanu’s release and quashed the terrorism charges against him.
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The Supreme Court held that despite the Nigerian government’s reckless and unlawful rendition of Kanu from Kenya, such an unlawful act has not divested any court from proceeding with the trial.
Justice Lawal stated that no Nigerian law was cited in the suit seeking Kanu’s release based on mere unlawful abduction from Kenya. He added that the remedy for such action at the moment is for Kanu to file a civil matter against such act, rather than removing the powers of courts to continue with his trial for alleged criminal charges.
The apex court subsequently ordered that Kanu should go and defend himself against the remaining seven counts of terrorism charges. This decision marks a significant turn in the ongoing legal battle involving the IPOB leader.
