The Supreme Court of Nigeria has marked December 15th as the date for delivering its judgement in the case against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This pivotal judgement is in response to an appeal that seeks to compel the federal government to release Mr. Kanu from detention.
The Court of Appeal had previously ruled in favor of Mr. Kanu’s release in a judgement issued on October 13, 2022.
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In a unanimous decision, the three-member panel at the appellate court dismissed a 15-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government against the IPOB leader in the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Unsatisfied with this verdict, the federal government pursued the case to the Supreme Court, which led to the proceedings on Thursday. A five-member panel, headed by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, heard the final briefs from both sides and subsequently scheduled the judgement date for December 15th.
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During the proceedings, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, counsel for Mr. Kanu, implored the court to order the immediate release of his client and impose a substantial punitive cost on the federal government. He emphasized the need for justice to prevail, especially since Mr. Kanu had been in detention since June 29, 2021, even after the lower court had ordered his release. Ozekhome underscored the importance of demonstrating that no individual or government should be above the law.
On the other hand, Tijani Gazalli, SAN, counsel for the Federal Government, urged the Supreme Court to set aside the Court of Appeal’s judgement that ordered Mr. Kanu’s release. He further requested that the court reinstate Mr. Kanu’s trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja for terrorism-related charges.
Nnamdi Kanu’s detention has been a contentious issue, with South-East leaders collectively advocating for his release to enhance security in their region. As the nation awaits the Supreme Court’s decision on December 15th, the outcome will significantly impact the ongoing legal saga surrounding the IPOB leader.
