CURRENT REPORT BLOG The Supreme Court is set to announce its judgment in the appeals filed by the federal government and Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Friday. This follows final submissions made by lawyers for both parties before a five-member panel, led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on October 5. The federal government seeks to overturn the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision, which dismissed the treasonable felony charge against Kanu and ordered his release, citing his unlawful return to the country after jumping bail. On the other hand, Kanu urges the Supreme Court to uphold the Court of Appeal’s judgment and affirm his discharge and acquittal.
Lawyers for both sides presented their arguments, with the government’s counsel urging the Supreme Court to set aside the Court of Appeal’s decision and reinstate the charges against Kanu. Meanwhile, Kanu’s counsel requests the court to dismiss the government’s appeal with punitive costs and uphold the cross-appeal, emphasiSing that Kanu has been in custody since June 29, 2021, despite a previous court order for his release. The Court of Appeal had faulted the government’s handling of Kanu’s return, stating a breach of international laws and violation of rules during his arrest in Kenya. The upcoming Supreme Court judgment will determine the fate of Kanu’s trial and the charges against him.
