The Supreme Court has overturned the Court of Appeal’s decision and insisted that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), must face trial at the Federal High Court. The government’s appeal challenged the earlier dismissal of charges against Kanu by the Appeal Court.
The Supreme Court, in its judgment, declared that the Court of Appeal was mistaken in ruling that Kanu couldn’t be retried due to the government’s illegality during the invasion of his home. The Court stated that the alleged unlawful abduction from Kenya did not deprive the courts of the authority to proceed with Kanu trial for criminal charges. Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021, was arraigned on charges including treasonable felony, conspiracy, terrorism, illegal importation of radio equipment, and defamation of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Supreme Court’s decision comes amid heightened security, and Kanu was not present for the judgment. The case has generated significant public attention, with calls for Kanu release by groups like Ohanaeze.
