Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ameh Ejekwonyilo
Published on 2024-02-26 10:44:00
As the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), resumed on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, lawyers and litigants found themselves in a difficult situation. The Supreme Court of Nigeria had restored Mr. Kanu’s trial last December after dismissing the judgement of the Court of Appeal that had previously freed him. Mr. Kanu is facing charges of terrorism before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
On Monday morning, armed operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) were deployed around the court, creating obstacles for lawyers and litigants trying to enter the premises. Despite the busy schedule of the court on Monday mornings, SSS personnel were adamant about verifying the identities of those attempting to enter. However, even lawyers and litigants with cases before other judges were not spared from the rigorous checks.
By 9:15 a.m., a large number of lawyers and journalists were left stranded outside the courtrooms. Among them was Emmanuel Kanu, the younger brother of Mr. Kanu, who was seen conferring with the legal team. Tensions rose as some lawyers engaged in shouting matches with the SSS operatives, expressing frustration over missing their suits for other cases scheduled in different courtrooms.
In June 2021, the Nigerian government repatriated Mr. Kanu from Kenya after he fled the country in 2017 while on bail. The Court of Appeal in Abuja had dismissed the terrorism and treasonable felony charges against Mr. Kanu in October 2022, citing the violation of his rights during his forced return from Kenya. However, the government filed an appeal at the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the decision and continue with the trial.
Despite the Court of Appeal’s ruling in favor of Mr. Kanu, the government’s appeal at the Supreme Court led to further delays in the legal proceedings. The government argued that Mr. Kanu’s activities as the leader of IPOB, a proscribed organization advocating for the secession of the Biafra region, posed a threat to national security. As a result, Mr. Kanu has been detained by the SSS since his repatriation to Nigeria in 2021.
The charges against Mr. Kanu range from acts of terrorism to incitement of violence and illegal importation of a radio transmitter. The prosecution alleges that Mr. Kanu used broadcasts and social media to spread messages inciting violence against Nigerian security personnel and government facilities. Despite the legal challenges and delays, the case against Mr. Kanu continues to proceed, with the next hearing scheduled for May 18th.
The ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu highlights the complex legal and political issues surrounding the secessionist movement in the Biafra region. As the legal battle plays out in the courts, the question of autonomy and self-determination for the people of Biafra remains a contentious issue in Nigeria. The outcome of Mr. Kanu’s trial will not only impact his future but also have broader implications for the movement he leads and the government’s response to it.
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