The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: nnamdi kanu

  • Breaking: FG amends charge against Kanu, lists his lawyers as accomplices

    Breaking: FG amends charge against Kanu, lists his lawyers as accomplices

    The Federal Government is set to re-arraign the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, on an amended six-count treasonable felony charge.

    The amendment came on a day trial Justice Binta Nyako fixed to hear an application Kanu filed to be released on bail, pending the determination of the charge against him.

    A member of Kanu’s legal team, who craved anonymity, told Vanguard on Wednesday that FG had in the amended charge, listed some lawyers representing the embattled IPOB leader, including Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Mr. Maxwell Opara, as accomplices of the defendant.

    FG, it was gathered, alleged that the said lawyers, were constantly in contact with Kanu, after he jumped bail and fled the country.

    It will be recalled that Kanu was subsequently re-arrested and returned back to the country from Kenya, in controversial circumstance.

    Trial Justice Binta Nyako had on April 8, struck out eight out of the 15-count treasonable felony charge FG preferred against Kanu.

    Justice Nyako held that the charges were mere repetitions that did not disclose any offence that could be sustained by the proof of evidence before the court.

    FG had in the counts that were struck out, alleged that Kanu had through his broadcasts, incited members of the public to not only stage a violent revolution, but to attack police officers and also destroy public facilities in Lagos State.

    While the court threw out counts 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12,13 and 14 of the charge, it okayed Kanu’s trial on counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 15.

    The ruling followed an application Kanu filed to quash the entire charge against him, which he insisted was manifestly incompetent and legally defective.

    The IPOB leader, through his team of lawyers led by Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to try him on the strenght of an incompetent charge.

    Ozekhome (SAN), further told the court that his client was “unlawfully, brutally and extraordinarily renditioned from Kenya without his consent”.

    He argued that since some of the allegations FG levelled against Kanu, were purportedly committed outside the country, the high court, therefore, lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the charge.

    “The charges appears to give this court a global jurisdiction over offences that were allegedly committed by the Defendant, without specifying the location or date the said offences were committed”.

    He argued that under the Federal High Court Act, such charge must disclose specific location where the offence was committed.

    More so, Ozekhome contended that Kanu could not be charged with belonging to an unlawful organization since the action of FG, in proscribing the IPOB, is still subject of legal dispute at the Court of Appeal and therefore subjudice.

    Consequently, he urged the court to dismiss the charge, as well as to discharge and acquit the defendant.

    However, FG’s lawyer, Mr. Shuaibu Labaran, opposed the application and urged the court to allow the prosecution to open its case.

    He argued that Kanu’s application would touch the substance of the case that is yet to be heard.

    “The position as at now is that the IPOB is a proscribed organization which was duly proscribed through the due process of law”.

    He argued that Section 32 of the Terrorism Prevention Act imbued the court with the requisite jurisdiction to handle the trial.

    On Kanu’s bail request, Ozekhome, maintained that the amended charge contained bailable offences, while FG’s lawyer, Labaran, argued that the defendant betrayed the previous discretion the court exercised in his favour when he jumped bail and escaped from the country.

    He argued that it was owing to Kanu’s conduct that the court revoked his bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

    FG had in some of the charges that were sustained by the court, alleged that Kanu had in his broadcast that was received and heard in Nigeria, issued a deadly threat that anyone who flouted his sit-at home order, should write his/her Will.

    It told the court that as a result of the threat, Banks, Schools, Markets, Shopping Malls, Fuel Stations domiciled in the Eastern States of Nigeria, were not opened for businesses, citizens and vehicular movements in the Eastern States of Nigeria were grounded.

    It alleged that Kau had on diverse dates between 2018 and 2021, made a broadcast received and heard in Nigeria, inciting members of the public to hunt and kill Nigerian security personnel and their family members, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 1 (2) (h) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.

    While FG, in count-8, alleged that Kanu, directed members of the IPOB “to manufacture Bombs”, it told the court in count-15 that the defendant had between the month of March and April 2015, “Imported into Nigeria and kept in Ubulisiuzor in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, a Radio Transmitter known as Tram 50L concealed in a container of used household items which you declared as used household items, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 47 (2) (a) of Criminal Code Act Cap, C45 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004”.

    (Vanguard)

  • Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum demand the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu

     

    The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) has demanded the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu and a stop to any further persecution of Sunday Igboho, who is currently on a conditional release in Benin Republic.

     

    The call which was made in a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting chaired by the elder statesman, Chief E.K. Clark, and held in Abuja, on Thursday, March 10, 2022, warned that Kanu’s continued detention and trial on charges of terrorism and treasonable felony “while known Boko Haram terrorists are being given VIP treatments and hosted in Government Houses is not only provocative and perfidious but a bizarre double standard on the part of the Nigerian state.” The Forum also frowned at situation whereby women and children rendered widows, orphans, and displaced by the terrorists, now being gratified by the Federal Government and its security agencies, are wallowing in wretched IDP camps.

    Other demands made by the communiqué signed by Clark, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader of the Afenifere, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, National President, Middle Belt Forum, Senator Okey Emuchay, Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, National Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), includes the restructuring of the polity to give every Nigerian a sense of belonging and the creation of a state of police in light of worsening state of insecurity, and the separation of powers between the state and the local government areas to allow for rapid development of rural areas.

    On the worsening state of insecurity in the country, the Forum decried the continued kidnappings and killings of innocent citizens and wanton destruction of livelihoods across the country by terrorists and criminals, especially in the North West, North East and Middle Belt region. It condemned the ongoing massacres and decimation of indigenous populations, especially in Zuru, Kebbi State; Southern Kaduna, Benue, Plateau and Southern Gombe, where an untold number of citizens have been killed and communities deliberately displaced, by Islamic extremists and foreign Fulani herders, with plausible official complicity.

    The group urged the Federal Government to be alive to its primary duty of protecting the lives and property of citizens, safeguarding communities across Nigeria, and ensuring the immediate return of displaced citizens to their ancestral homes. It demanded the harmonisation and immediate implementation of the reports of the 2014 National Conference and the 2018 APC Committee on true federalism rather than the current cosmetic constitutional amendment, which serves as a drain on the resources of the country and do not address fundamental issues including fiscal federalism.

    The Forum insisted that the basis of any viable democracy, especially in a diverse and complex country such as Nigeria, is fair and even sharing of power, and therefore, called on all political parties in the country to zone their presidential tickets to the south.

    The group noted that the existing constitution and structure of Nigeria are grossly flawed and therefore, insisted on the fundamental restructuring of the country, to reflect true federalism, and enthrone equity, fairness and justice, before the 2023 general elections. It argued in particular that local government affairs are state matters and that the listing of local governments in the constitution is inconsistent with the principle of federalism. It tagged the legislations of the National Assembly granting local government “autonomy” superfluous and exercise in futility.

    The meeting was attended by former governors, ministers, federal and state legislators, top politicians and professionals from the Southern and Middle Belt regions

    (Sun)

  • Nnamdi Kanu’s fundamental rights suit to be heard on Feb. 28

     

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, fixed Feb. 28 to hear a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

    Justice Taiwo Taiwo fixed the date after counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Idowu Awo, informed the court that his clients had a counter affidavit which had not been served on Kanu.

    Awo, at the resumed hearing prayed the court for more time to effect the service of the application on Kanu’s lawyer, Maxwell Opara.

    But Opara described the request of the DSS lawyer as an attempt to continue to subject his client to solitary confinement and other inhuman treatments.

    He argued that the counter affidavit by the DSS was already filed out of time.

    He said even though the application was dated Jan. 28 and counsel to the DSS has his contact, it was not served on him until now.

    Also the lawyer to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Simon Enock, informed that he had filed a motion for an extension of time to regularise their counter affidavit.

    The application was neither opposed to by counsel to the IPOB leader, Opara, nor the DSS lawyer.

    Justice Taiwo, who noted that the matter was coming before him for the first time, fixed the matter until Feb. 28 for hearing.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kanu, through his lawyer, Opara, had in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1585/2021, sued the Director-General of DSS and the office as 1st and 2nd respondents respectively.

    He also joined the AGF as 3rd respondent in the suit dated and filed Dec. 13, 2021.

    In the originating motion, his lawyer prayed the court to declare that the respondents while carrying out their lawful duties should abide by the provisions of Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Africa Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act; as regards the rights of citizens of Nigeria.

    Opara also urged the court to declare that Kanu, even though a detainee, was entitled to enjoy his freedom of thought, conscience and religion as guaranteed by thr law.

    He sought: “A DECLARATION that the applicant, even though a detainee, is entitled to the enjoyment of his right to dignity of human person as guaranteed under Sections 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “A DECLARATION that the respondents action in continuing to keep the applicant in their detention facility, without transferring him to Kuje Correctional Centre, is subjecting the applicant to mental torture given that it is not the place designated for keeping awaiting trial inmates,” among others.

    The lawyers then asked the court to make an order directing the respondents to immediately allow Kanu access to facility and material for the practice of his religion and an order directing them to remove him from solitary confinement, among others.

    But the DSS, in a counter affidavit deposed to by Hamza Pandogari, which was dated and filed on Jan. 28, disagreed with Kanu.

    Pandogari averred that Kanu was arrested by personnel of the 1st and 2nd respondents upon reasonable suspicion of his engagement in acts of treason and terrorism by propagating violence against the people of Nigeria under the guise of succession.

    The officer said Kanu was the leader of the proscribed organisation known as the IPOB.

    He stated that he was currently standing tial on a 15-count charge before Justice Binta Nyako.

    Pandogari, who said that though Nyako earlier admitted Kanu to bail sometime in April 2017, he jumped the bail but was rearrested to continue his tral.

    The officer said contrary to laragraph 4 (a) and (b) of Kanu’s affidavit, “there is no such order of court that applicant should have unrestricted access to the medial practitioner of his choice while in 1st and 2nd respondent’s custody.”

    He also said contrary to the information, Kanu was receiving adequate and quality medical attention when necessary;

    “The applicant enjoys direct and unrestricted access to medical practitioners who are experts in their various field of medical practice.

    He averred that Dr O. FASAN, Consultant, Cardiologist from the National Hospital, Abuja; Dr, A OHUNMWANGHO, a Consultant Gastroenterologist, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, and Prof. MBAKWE, Consultant CARDIOLOGIST, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, were among list of experts who had been attending to Kanu’s health.

    “That apart from the regular routine medical checkup, applicant gets promptly the required medical attention, upon any request or complaint by applicant relating to his heaith,” he said.

    According to the officer, the applicant (Kanu) has never missed his trial based on health ground.

    He said contrary to the information, the DSS had never tortured Kanu either physically or mentally while in its custody.

    “That while in custody, applicant enjoys several privileges including but not limited to entertaining a total number of six visitors of his choice every week, three each on Monday and Thursday, the days set out by the court as applicant’s visiting days ” he added.

    Also in a counter affidavit deposed to by Zekeri Friday, the AGF said he did not violate or infringe on any fundamental right (s) of the applicant on account of the facts giving rise to the application as deposed to in the whole paragraphs of the affidavit in support of the application.”

    Fruday, who averred that Kanu was not in position to professionally determined.the competency or otherwise of the medical practitioner attending to him in DSS custody, said the security agency “has a medical clinic well-equipped with highly trained medical personnel that have been attending to the medical needs of the applicant while he remains in the custody.”

    He also denied that Kanu was being detained in solitary confinement.

    Acvording to Friday, he is being detained in a standard and hygienic facility.(NAN)

     

    (Punch)

  • IPOB: Abia court judgment’ll facilitate Kanu’s release –Lawyer

     

    The court, in a fundamental rights suit brought by Kanu’s lawyers, held that the IPOB leader did not voluntarily choose to be absent from his trial, but that he was forced to flee the country because his fundamental rights to dignity of the human person and personal liberty were wantonly violated by agents of the Nigerian government.

    Ejimakor in a statement, yesterday, said: “This landmark judgment has created new legal opportunities for Kanu, especially as regards impeaching the bench warrant that grandfathered his extraordinary rendition. You will recall that from late 2017, I had maintained a well-publicised stance that Kanu never jumped bail and that he will, in due course of time, prove it was the Nigerian government that compelled him to flee and seek refuge outside Nigeria.

    “This was the material issue before the court and it prevailed. The court held that Kanu never made a voluntary decision to flee Nigeria or to be absent from his trial. To this extent, this judgment has finally obliterated the vested and false notion that Kanu had jumped bail back in 2017.”

    The Abuja Division of Federal High Court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, in March 2019, revoked the bail earlier granted Kanu in April 2017 and directed a bench warrant should be issued for Kanu’s arrest after he failed to appear in court.

    Ejimakor, however, said the latest judgment of the Abia High Court has answered questions on the circumstances under which Kanu fled the country to seek refuge abroad.

    Ejimakor also said the judgment has punctured the Federal Government’s claims and reasons adduced for Kanu’s extradition from Kenya

    “Kanu has by credible evidence proved to the court that his fundamental rights to dignity of the human person and personal liberty were wantonly or brazenly violated and his fundamental right to life threatened brazenly by Federal Republic of Nigeria. The bench warrant upon which his rendition from Kenya was grounded has now become impeachable and liable to be vacated, thus paving the way for his previous bail to be reinstated,” he said.

     

    (Sun)

  • Political negotiations to free Kanu on course -Mbazulike Amechi

     

     

    First Republic Aviation Minister and foremost nationalist, Chief Mbazulike Amechi has said that his appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari concerning the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and the Igbo question, was still attainable.

    In an interview with DAVID ONWUCHEKWA, the respected statesman expressed the abundant hope that Kanu would be released through political discussions and negotiations. He also spoke on other national issues.

    You have been making spirited efforts to see that Nnamdi Kanu is released and you are also not happy about the actions and utterances of members of IPOB. What do you say about these issues sir?

    My concern is not only about Nnamdi. When I went to see President Muhammadu Buhari, I went for two items: the position of Ndigbo in Nigeria and the case of Nnamdi Kanu. And of course, I held and still hold the view that if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, it will douse the tension in the South East. It will bring down the ill feelings of the people of the South East.

    So, the case of Nnamdi Kanu is as important as the case of Ndigbo or the South East, generally. That was the matter I took to the President and the President listened very attentively and he gave me the assurance that something would be done. And so far, I’m happy to say that I’m aware that something is being done. Things are being done of which somehow in some parts. There are other parts being played by other organs of government, by other institutions and they’re all doing something positively. What made me feel bad was when I saw in the newspapers that IPOB ordered a sit- at- home from Monday to Thursday last week, that Nnamdi was having a case of accelerated hearing fixed for consecutive days. I feel that already it is affecting the economy of the Igbo to stay at home on Monday alone, how much more asking people to stay at home from Sunday to Thursday, that is five days in a week of seven days, leaving only one day, Friday that is a working day in the whole of the week.

    I don’t know who ordered that. I don’t know who the leaders of the IPOB are. So, I sent a message to the lawyer of Nnamdi asking him to warn these people. They have to stop this thing. These sit -at-home orders are too much and I can understand that it was initially being observed when Kanu was appearing in court. That’s okay, but asking people to sit-at-home every week in a case that may last a year or even more unless something is done by the government and the court, unless for any reason the case is determined within a shorter period… Even making people to sit-at-home for one day in a week for a whole year or six months is bad, how much more making them to lose five days in seven days of the week. They have to stop these alleged actions here and there.

    But I was relieved when the lawyer told me that it is not the true IPOB that has been doing all those things, that IPOB said only Monday (which they have even cancelled) but a group or renegade groups or whatever within the organization is doing this because they seem to be making some money out of it. And I was relieved when I saw in The Sun Newspaper front page where the IPOB denied it. They officially denied ever asking people to stay at home on Monday and exceed it for one day so, I was relieved.

    Would you discontinue your effort if the agitators do not listen to your advice to stop certain actions?

    I have never discontinued at all. I have just told you earlier on that arrangements are on that the discussions and negotiations, and meetings are being held at various levels and you know what that means. So, there is hope, abundant hope in the words and promise of the President. It is being arranged in such a way that the President can do that without interfering with a court process. We want to see how we can get this matter out of court process and get the problem solved.

    It was reported that President Buhari said he would not release Nnamdi Kanu. How do you look at that?

    He cannot order the court to release Nnamdi Kanu, neither has he the power to do so. People are asking the President to exercise his prerogative of mercy. It is inappropriate to exercise the prerogative of mercy. I’m not a lawyer but from a layman’s point of view, it’s inappropriate for the President to declare prerogative of mercy now because Nnamdi is being tried and in our jurisprudence in Nigeria, one who is being tried is presumed innocent until he is proved guilty. So, Nnamdi has not been proved guilty. And the prerogative of mercy does not apply in his case. But the President can solve the problem politically. That’s what I mean. It can be solved politically.

    Solving it politically means discussing. Once in the Delta area, a problem was solved politically. The then President negotiated, discussed with meetings and so forth and then at a point, it got to a level where people were granted amnesty, that is the Niger Delta militants. Even in the protracted case of Boko Haram, there have been attempts to negotiate and when the Boko Haram insurgents stop shooting, there will be peace in that area. That is political solution.

    In the case of Nnamdi Kanu and his people, it can be solved politically. We are not saying it will be solved through the judicial process because that will take a long time. So far, he is presumed innocent but the extent the court can say he is innocent or guilty is far away. But what we are saying is if it is allowed to extend to such a way, there will be bad feelings all over the place and we don’t want that. We want the Federal Government to take political action to solve the problem and the Igbo question now that I’m still around. If I leave, people may not know what I know. People may not have experienced what I experienced, people may not have all the respect I have both in Igbo land and outside Igbo land.

    And so, I want to see to it. If God continues to spare my life, I want the government to help me; I want Ndigbo to use me and allow me to help find the solution. God may have continued to spare my life to continue to solve a problem and a situation like this.

    Are you confident that a Nigeria President of Igbo extraction is going to be possible this time?

    You see, we are approaching the year of presidential election. The South East are saying and rightly too that if it is not a conspiracy against the South East, then they should, in good conscience, be allowed to present, nominate and win the next presidential election. And of course, I have always told them that to win election, you have to work, you have to organise, you have to strategize and you have to finance it. There are so many issues involved in winning an election.

    Nothing is impossible. With God, nothing is impossible. If God says peace to Nigeria, to Igbo presidency you may be surprised; you may find an unknown horse coming out from Igbo nation to be a President of Nigeria. It may not be any of the old controversial Igbo leaders or something. He may just bring up an unknown person. And I recommend it to government because that is the easiest way to send the country back to what we created when we inherited Nigeria and created Nigeria from Britain, what we desired to hand over to our children unborn until unpatriotic military people came in and took over the government and continued ruling the country for a whole 38 years.

    Someone like Bola Tinubu from South West and others from other zones are preparing strongly for the 2023 presidential election against the thinking that the next president should come from Igbo land. How do you look at that?

    If it is the popular wish that the Igbo should produce the next president of the country, let the political parties prove it at the convention. Tinubu is contesting from one state of Yoruba land. There are other 35 States. Let the other 35 states say no. It is left for the other 35 states to say no, that it must be an Igbo man.

    With the presidential election coming up early next year, do you think that Igbo aspirants for the election are preparing the way they should?

    How much are we reaching out? But we are already paving the way to lose the presidency. The Igbo are too far now, paving the way to lose the chance to produce the next President next year by the number of the Igbo declaring that they want to contest. If five or six Igbo contest, they will split the votes. They will split the Igbo votes. That is creating chances for other people. They will be splitting their votes and maybe give Tinubu the chance. They are already paving the way to lose the election.

    As far back as May last year, I called a joint meeting of the PDP and APC from the South East in my house here. APC came in a good number. PDP sent only one person or two persons. But look at the multitude that is coming out from the PDP. How do they think they can get the party nomination? So, they have to start all over again. They can listen to other Igbo leaders, if they don’t want me, that’s okay. But Ohanaeze should be strong enough, other Igbo organizations should be really strong enough to bring together all the aspirants and tell them you, you, you step aside. Let one person go and contest.

    I’m aware that other states in the North, South West and even in the Delta are interested to give Igbo the chance to produce the next President, to give them a sense of belonging. Because, right now, they are made to feel that they are not fully part of Nigeria. But I know that there are many states in the North, in the West, in the Delta area who are now prepared to give the Igbo a chance. But if the Igbo are given the chance and they don’t want the chance to be properly used, who will they blame? Will they blame the people who gave them the opportunity to produce the next president? So, they should come together and listen to the voice of reason or get prepared to accept the responsibility that they have failed the Igbo race and destroyed the chances of their children unborn.

    What should be the barometer to choose the right candidate to run the presidential race for the Igbo?

    In a party I belonged to before, when I was in politics, we did it. There were so many aspirants like that and I presided over a meeting that brought the number from 13 to three. It can be done now.

     

    (Sun)

  • Court orders FG to apologize to Nnamdi Kanu, awards N1bn over infringement on his fundamental human rights

     

    An Abia High Court sitting in Umuahia, presided over by Justice Benson Anya, yesterday, ordered the Federal Government to pay N1 billion to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), over infringement on his fundamental human rights by the military even as it ordered government to apologise to him.

    Kanu, through his counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, had instituted a suit on August 27, 2021 seeking among other declarations, that military invasion of his home in Abia State in September 2017 was illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and infringement on his fundamental rights to life, dignity of his person, his personal liberty and fair hearing as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

    Those listed in the suit were Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), Department of State Services (DSS), the Federal Government of Nigeria (first), Chief of Army Staff (third), Inspector-General of Police (fifth) and three others.

    In the suit marked HIH/FR14/2021, Kanu asked the court to compel the respondents to pay him N5 billion in damages as monetary compensation for the “physical, mental, emotional, psychological and other damages” suffered as a result of the alleged infringement on his fundamental rights.

    The suit also sought an order of injunction restraining the Federal Government from taking any further step in the prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Nnamdi Kanu) pursuant to his unlawful expulsion from Kenya to Nigeria.

    “An order mandating and compelling the Nigerian government to forthwith release Nnamdi Kanu from detention and to restore him to his liberty, same being his state of being as of 19th June, 2021 and to thereupon repatriate him to Britain, his country of domicile and citizenship.An order mandating and compelling the Nigerian government to issue an official letter of apology to Nnamdi Kanu for the infringement of his fundamental rights, and publication of said letter of apology in three national dailies.”

    After the suit was heard and concluded on December 10 last year, Justice Anya fixed yesterday for judgment. In a judgment that lasted for an hour, the judge said his court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate in the applicant’s reliefs Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6. Justice Anya said the court was not vested with the powers to adjudicate on matters that took place in a foreign land, far away outside its jurisdiction.

    On the applicant’s prayer for the court to order his release from detention and repatriate him back to Britain, his country of domicile before his arrest, the judge held that the court also lacked the jurisdiction to entertain matters relating to extradition.

    Turning to relief No.1, Justice Anya said it was wrong for the military to have invaded Nnamdi Kanu’s home in Afaraukwu, which made him to flee the country, saying by so doing, his fundamental human rights were seriously violated.

    While saying that brutality, torture, abductions and other forms of killings do not resolve conflicts, rather they fertilise it, Justice Anya advised the Federal Government to apply political solution to the Kanu problem.

    The court, therefore, ordered the Federal Government to apologise to Nnamdi Kanu for infringing on his human rights and awarded N1billion as exemplary damages.

    Speaking to journalists after the judgment, Ejimakor said: “With the Umuahia judgment, the bench warrant issued in Abuja may have to be vacated. That he is in detention today was because they said he jumped bail, but with the court’s ruling, that issue will be put to rest.”

    Ejimakor said he may approach another court, or the Appeal Court, in respect of the rendition matter which the Abia High Court declined jurisdiction.

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Nnamdi Kanu’s trial shifted as fresh charges emerge.

    The re-arraignment of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu on amended terrorism charges was stalled yesterday before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    New lead defence counsel, Dr Mike Ozekhome (SAN), sought time to enable him to study the amended 15-count charge filed by the prosecution on January 17.

    The SAN argued that the defence was ambushed with the fresh charge.

    He claimed that the proof of evidence served on the defence by the prosecution was not legible enough to enable them to know what constitutes the fresh charge.

    “My Lord, as I am talking now, the defendant does not know the charge yet. He is just interacting with me.

    “He cannot be made to take his plea in relation to a charge he has not seen.

    “The principle of fair hearing is just being violated by the Federal Government.

    “The frail-looking defendant standing in the dock there has not been allowed to access his family as directed by this Honourable Court.

    “I went to DSS to see him and I was almost stripped naked before I could see him.

    “We pray that the arraignment is adjourned till tomorrow (today) to enable his lawyers to study the new charge along with him in the interest of justice,” Ozekhome said.

    Lead prosecuting lawyer, Magaji Labaran, faulted the defence’s claim that the amended charge was an ambush.

    He also faulted the defence’s claim of Kanu not being properly fed, allowed to practice his religion and allowed free access to his family members.

    He, however, did not object to the defence’s request for an adjournment.

    Justice Binta Nyako adjourned till January 19 for arraignment on the amended charge.

    Before adjourning, Justice Binta Nyako ordered that the defendant and his lawyers be allowed to interact within the courtroom for a while before being taken away.

    On the defendant’s complaints, the judge ordered that he be allowed to change his clothes.

    “I don’t want to see him in this cloth again. This one is almost off-white. Also, make sure that you allow him to exercise,” the judge said.

    Justice Nyako however reminded the defendant that a detention facility is not a 5-Star hotel.

    She declined the defendant’s oral request that a foreign lawyer, Bruce Fein, be allowed into the courtroom to observe proceedings.

    The judge said the request would be allowed upon a written application and approval by the Chief Judge.

    Operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) brought Kanu into the courtroom at about 9.50 am.

    He exchanged pleasantries with some of his family members and his lawyers.

    Earlier, one of Kanu’s lawyers, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, told our correspondent that the defence beefed up its legal team by engaging some senior lawyers, among whom is Ozekhome.

    Ejiofor was, however, silent on the identity of the others.

    Some supporters of Kanu, who stormed the court premises in large numbers, clashed with security operatives.

    They chanted “Holy Holy Holy, Nnamdi Kanu is another Saviour”.

    The IPOB supporters were at the other end of the Ministry of Justice when the security agents tried to disperse them.

    The supporters refused, arguing that the security operatives gave free access to a pro-government group who were drumming and singing.

    This resulted in a face-off between the supporters and security operatives who later called for reinforcement.

    Commissioner of Police, Sunday Babaji, said there was no clash of any sort.

    Source: www.thenationonlineng.net

  • Igbo Think Tank Society: Realease Nnamdi kanu and Igboho, seek political solutions

    The Igbo Think Tank, Nzuko Umunna, has again called on the President, Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for the release of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho from detention and seek a political solution to issues preceding their prosecution.

    In a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of Nzuko Umunna, Ngozi Odumuko, on Monday, the Think Tank urged the President to “explore the opportunities provided by the intervention of South-East Governors, South East NASS Caucus, South East Council of Traditional Rulers, Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Pa Mbazulike Amaechi, and some groups in the South-East to release Nnamdi Kanu and resolve his matter politically.”

    It noted that the “public opinion and sentiments show that Nigerians want Mr President to deploy political solution and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

    Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has been in detention for many months after he was allegedly abducted in Kenya and returned to Nigeria.

    The call for Kanu’s release comes as an Abia State High Court sitting in Umuahia is set to deliver judgment this Wednesday being the 19th of January 2022 on a human rights suit brought before it by the IPOB leader.

    Kanu had challenged what he called a violation of his human rights and the 2017 military invasion of his family home.

    The suit, which was filed by Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, had asked the court to declare as illegal, the action of the Nigerian government in the alleged abduction of the IPOB leader in Kenya and his rendition to Nigeria to be allegedly tortured and dehumanized.

    Commending Barrister Ejimakor and Kanu’s legal team for exploring all legal options for his release, the Nzuko Umunna urged the Federal Government to constructively engage with the IPOB leader and all self-determination leaders, including Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, and save the country from undue distractions.

    The group noted that a “political solution will lead to permanent peace and a sense of nationhood, as the country will only experience true progress in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.”

    (Punch)

  • Kanu: Abia State High court fix date for fundamental rights judgement

     

    An Abia State High Court sitting in Umuahia, the state capital, has fixed January 19, 2022 for judgement in a suit seeking to stop the ongoing trial of the leader of the Indigineous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government.

     

    According to a statement by Kanu’s special counsel, Barr. Aloy Ejimakor, the court presided by Justice Benson Anya fixed the date after concluding hearing on December 10, 2021 in the fundamental rights suit he (Ejimakor) filed on behalf of Kanu and IPOB.

     

    The suit, which started on August 27, 2021, is, among others, seeking an order of injunction restraining the Nigerian government from taking any further step in the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Nnamdi Kanu) pursuant to his unlawful his expulsion from Kenya to Nigeria.

     

    The suit is also seeking for an order mandating and compelling the Nigerian government to forthwith release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and to restore him to his liberty, same being his state of being as of 19th June, 2021; and to thereupon repatriate him to Britain, his country of domicile and citizenship.

     

    Other reliefs are: “an order mandating and compelling the the Nigerian government to issue an official Letter of Apology to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for the infringement of his fundamental rights and publication of said Letter of Apology in three (3) national dailies.

     

    “A declaration that the military invasion of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s home in Abia State in September 2017 by the Nigerian government is illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and amounts to infringement of his fundamental rights to life, dignity of his person, his personal liberty and fair hearing as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

     

    “A declaration that the arrest of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Kenya by agents of the Nigerian government without due process of law is arbitrary, illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and amounts to infringement of his fundamental rights against arbitrary arrest, to his personal liberty and to fair hearing as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

     

    “A declaration that the torture and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Kenya by agents of the Nigerian government is illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and amounts to infringement of the his fundamental rights against torture and to fair hearing, as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

     

    “A declaration that the expulsion of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria by the Nigerian government and his consequent detention and planned prosecution in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Nnamdi Kanu) is illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and amount to infringement of his fundamental rights against unlawful expulsion and detention, and to fair hearing, as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights”.

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.thenationonlineng.net

  • Religious leaders, Monarchs demand release of Nnamdi kanu

    South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops; and the World Igbo Congress, WIC, have appealed to the federal government, to release the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.Similarly, the groups also expressed “deep concern” over the high level of insecurity and socio-economic disruption in the southeast geo-political zone of the country.

    The plea was part of a nine-point communiqué issued after their meeting and signed by the Catholic Archbishops of Owerri and Onitsha, Most Rev. Anthony J. V. Obinna and Most Rev. Valerian M. Okeke, respectively.

    Signatories to the communique also included the Methodist Bishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Chibuzor R. Opoko; Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, South East Zone, Rev. Dr. Abraham Nwali ; and the Past Principal Secretary, Presbyterian Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. Uma A. Onwunta.

    Other signatories are: Chairmen of the State Councils of Traditional Rulers of Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States, Obi Nnaemeka Achebe; Igwe Charles Mkpuma, Igwe L. O. C. Agubuzu, and Eze E. C. Okeke respectively.

    The communiqué read: “We, the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, note with deep concern, the high level of insecurity and socio-economic disruption in the southeast zone of Nigeria.

    “This has deepened the hardships being faced by the citizens and rendered prostrate, the socio-political and economic lives of our people.

    “Flowing from similar initiatives taken to bring peace to other troubled parts of the country, we urge the Federal Government and other stakeholders, to explore dialogue and negotiation in resolving critical issues that threaten national unity, cohesion, and development.

    “Accordingly, we refer to our earlier request for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops and restate this call even more strongly.

    “We are of the firm belief that this act of courage and statesmanship is not only imperative but will speedily de-escalate the heightened state of insecurity and dislocation in the southeast zone.

    “We also urge President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government, to take immediate steps to de-proscribe the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and release all IPOB members being held in various detention facilities in Nigeria.

    “We call on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to demilitarize the southeast zone, moreso as it has become apparent that a continued military siege on the region can only lead to heightened tension, skirmishes, and endless bloodletting between the security agencies and our youths.

    “It has become urgent, imperative, and compelling to de-emphasize the military option and move towards finding a political solution that will lead to sustainable peace.

    “We assert that heightened inequality and marginalization remain at the core of youth restiveness in our region.

    “We urge our apex national leadership to note that until it takes deliberate steps to run the government based on fairness, equity, justice, and non-discrimination, this restiveness is likely to continue.”

    While saying that they shall respectfully seek audience with Mr. President, to discuss these issues in exploring political solution and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, they also promised that: “On our part, we assure our youths that we have heard their cries of marginalization, injustice, and longsuffering.

    “As concerned parents, we feel your pain. However, we urge you to de-escalate the tension and remain law-abiding to enable us to engage especially the Federal Government in finding a lasting solution to the crisis.”

    Addressing the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Anambra State, the group said: “Consistent with the above, we urge IPOB not to do anything that would hinder or be seen to be hindering the smooth running of the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State and to cancel the scheduled sit-at-home orders, as these have already caused untold hardship for our people.

    “Finally, we call on all the candidates in the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election to eschew violence and commit to a free, fair, and credible election.”

    WIC demands release of Kanu, other Igbo youths

    The World Igbo Congress, WIC, stated that it was miffed with the political developments in Nigeria, particularly as it relates to Anambra State, and asked the federal government and its apparatuses to de-escalate the tension and demonstrate a genuine desire to conduct free and fair elections to improve the country’s political and economic development.

    WIC in addition to the demand for the release of all detained Igbo youths also asked the federal government to constitute a wide political conference that will address pertinent issues of injustice and inequity in the polity to save the nation.

    According to the WIC Public Relations Officer, Hon. Basil Onwukwe, the increased agitation for equity and fairness in governance was real and solutions required, which it tasked the federal government to act on the matters as urgently as possible.

    The group painted a bleak future of the country whose youths were in the highest voting demography but are either incarcerated in various security cells or prisons in Nigeria.

    “The heightened insecurity in a militarized southeast region explains it all and is driving the desire to abandon the election in Anambra State.

    “It is worrisome that after the recent coordinated violence targeted to destabilize Anambra State, the security agents have not made any credible arrests of the killers.

    “All the desperate plans to pitch Ndigbo against each other has failed while deliberate attempt to replicate Imo State playbook is in the works, but any decision to enthrone election by a selection of rejected candidates again in Igboland will not be acceptable.

    “We urge the federal government to take an honorable decision of releasing innocent Igbo youths in various DSS custody, including Nnamdi Kanu, and constitute a wide political conference that will address the pertinent issues of injustice and inequity in the polity to save the nation.

    “That’s what a federal government that sees all the citizens as equal partners should do,” Onwukwe said.

    Source: www.vanguardngr.com

  • DSS denies British Consul access to Nnamdi Kanu

     

    The lead counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indeginous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor,has lampooned the Department of State Services for denying the duo of Chukwuemeka Ezeife and British Consul access to Kanu.

     

    In a statement he personally signed on Thursday night, he accused the DSS of also not allowing Kanu’s international and Legal Representative in the United States of America, Attorney Bruce Fein to see his client.

     

    According to him, the DSS acted contrary to the subsisting order of the court.

     

    The statement was titled,’Lawless DSS Denied British consul and Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife access to Nnamdi Kanu Today’.

     

    The lawyer pointed out that the the judge had clarified that the persons to visit Kano are no longer restricted to his lawyers and family members but, any other person of his choice.

     

    He said, “In line with this Order of Court, we forwarded the list of names scheduled to visit Our Client on Monday, 25th October, 2021, which included Attorney Bruce Fein – our Client’s International Attorney and Legal Representative in the United States of America.

     

    “Attorney Fein arrived Nigeria from the United States of America to witness the Court proceedings of the 21st Day of October, 2021, and also utilize the opportunity of the visit to interface with his Client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

     

    “Unknown to us, a rude shock awaited us at the DSS. Upon arrival at the DSS Headquarters on Monday, 25th October, 2021, for the scheduled routine visit, the detaining authority did not stop at keeping us waiting for well over two hours, but thereafter specifically told us that no foreigner, including Bruce Fein would be allowed to visit Our Client, and as such, he would not participate in the visit.

     

    “Attorney Bruce Fein, consequently left the premises of the DSS visibly broken. Apparently, he has gathered enough to feed the International Community upon his return to the United States.

     

    “Today was the turn of the British Consul to experience what the civilized society may refer to as the height of abnormality in the System.

     

    “The innocent woman who flew all the way from Lagos on this special diplomatic engagement, was denied access to Our Client, and told that she is not welcomed for the visit because she’s a foreigner.”

     

    He said although the legal team have filed another application for the transfer of Kanu to the correctional center , adding that if the DSS is allowed to remain the custodian of Kanu there would cbe gross denial of fair hearing and fair trial in these proceedings.

     

    He added, “We shall leave no stone unturned in ensuring that this weighty infraction of the positive Order of Court and by extension, gross violation of our Client’s right is addressed without further ado.

     

    “We still appeal to our Client’s millions of followers to remain calm as we explore all legal remedies available to our Client in the circumstance of this breach.”

     

    Efforts to get the spokesperson of the DSS, Peter Afunanya proved abortive as he was yet to respond to message sent to him on the matter.

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.punchng.com

  • Kanu: UN issues “Urgent Appeals” to Nigerian and Kenyan governments demanding stoppage of torture and violation of Nnamdi Kanu’s rights.

     

    The trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has received the attention of the international community following the issuance of “Urgent Appeals” by the United Nations to both the Nigerian and Kenyan governments, demanding immediate stoppage of any torture or violation of his rights.

     

    The decision of the UN followed a petition by Kanu’s brother, Kanunta Kanu and his special counsel, Mr. Aloy Ejimakor.

     

    In addition, the UN warned that it would take serious actions against the two countries should the allegations of torture and violation of fundamental human rights against Nnamdi Kanu are confirmed.

     

    According to a statement by Kanunta, “Urgent Appeals” have already been transmitted to both countries since August 26, and acknowledgment received from the Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York on September 17.

     

    The statement made by Aloy Ejimakor read in part: “In particular, the said Urgent Appeals state in part that the United Nations is “alarmed by the alleged torture and ill-treatment Mr. Kanu has been subjected to during his illegal custody in Kenya.

     

    “If confirmed, these allegations would constitute prima facie violations of fundamental human rights, including the right not to be arbitrarily deprived of liberty, and the absolute and non-derogable prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment under the International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights (ICCPR).

    The allegations in the case of Mr. Kanu raise serious violations of international human rights law and may cause irreparable damage to his life or personal integrity, which we believe warrants prompt attention.

     

    In this regard, we are considering to publicly express our concerns in this case in the near future, believing that the wider public should be informed about the implications of these allegations for the enjoyment and exercise of human rights in Kenya and Nigeria. Any public expression of concern in this regard, will indicate that we have been in contact with your Excellency’s Government to clarify the issue/s in question.

     

    “While awaiting a reply, we urge that all necessary interim measures be taken to prevent any irreparable damage to the life or personal integrity of Mr. Kanu, halt the alleged violations and prevent their re-occurrence and in the event that the investigations support or suggest the allegations to be correct, to ensure the accountability of any person responsible of the alleged violations”.

     

    Following the extraordinary rendition of my older brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, I undertook a number of urgent steps within the realm of the international community, particularly in Britain and the United Nations.

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com