S’court Rules Nnamdi Kanu Must Face Trial, Overturns A’Court Judgement

The Supreme Court has ordered the continuation of the “terrorism” trial against the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The apex court upheld the Federal Government’s appeal challenging the verdict of the Appeal Court which dismissed the charges against Nnamdi Kanu.

In upholding the government’s appeal, the Supreme Court held that Kanu must face trial at the Federal High Court.

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The Supreme Court in the judgement delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, but prepared by Justice Garba Lawal, held that the Court of Appeal was wrong to rule that Kanu could not be tried again based on the illegality perpetrated against him by the Federal Government, following the invasion of his home.

Also, the Court held that although the Nigerian Government was reckless and unlawfully rendered Kanu from Kenya, such unlawful act has not divested any Court from proceeding with trial.

Justice Lawal said that no Nigerian law was cited in the suit seeking Kanu’s release on the grounds of unlawful abduction from Kenya.

According to the Court, at the moment, the remedy for such an action is for Kanu to file a civil matter against the act instead of removing the powers of the courts to continue with his trial for alleged criminal charges.

Kanu was not present in court for the judgement, the latest development in a case that has lasted for years.

Friday’s judgement was delivered amid tight security and followed calls by Ohanaeze and some others for Kanu’s release.