Onyedikachi Ifedi, a member of Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team, has outlined reasons why the Federal Government must free the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
He emphasized that Kanu’s continued detention lacks a legal foundation.
Arrest and Rendition Declared Illegal
Ifedi recalled that Kanu’s arrest and repatriation from Kenya in June 2021 violated both local and international legal standards.
He cited the Court of Appeal judgment in FRN v. Kanu (CA/ABJ/CR/625/2022), delivered on October 13, 2022, which ruled that the manner of his rendition breached his fundamental rights.
The court subsequently nullified the charges against him.
Jurisdiction and Rule of Law
The lawyer explained that the Court of Appeal’s binding pronouncement means the trial court lacks jurisdiction.
Therefore, the only lawful option should be his immediate release.
Obsolete Terrorism Law
Ifedi further argued that Kanu is being tried under the repealed Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.
He insisted that since the new Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 has replaced it, any charges based on the repealed law are invalid.
No Proven Acts of Violence
The counsel highlighted that the government has failed to prove any violent actions directly linked to Kanu.
He said the accusations mostly revolve around his speeches and broadcasts rather than physical acts of terrorism.
Double Jeopardy Warning
Ifedi also stressed that any appellate discharge amounts to an acquittal.
He warned that reopening the case would amount to double jeopardy, which is unconstitutional.
Call for Justice and Reconciliation
Finally, he appealed to the Federal Government to respect the rule of law.
He said releasing Kanu would serve the cause of justice, foster peace, and promote national reconciliation.