The Supreme Court has overturned a lower court’s decision that dismissed terrorism charges against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Justice Garba Mohammed, in the judgment, criticized the invasion of Kanu’s residence, calling it irresponsible.
The apex court ruled that a trial cannot be halted based solely on a suspect’s rights violation and stressed that no law prevents the trial court from proceeding with Kanu’s case despite governmental illegal actions.
Mohammed emphasized, “The law must take its course. The Court of Appeal was wrong that the trial court couldn’t try him. The appeal is allowed, and the cross-appeal is dismissed.”
Kanu was initially arrested in 2015 during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, released on bail in April 2017, then fled Nigeria after a military invasion of his home in Abia State in 2017.
He was subsequently re-arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria in June 2021.
Initially arraigned on four charges, the former Attorney General replaced them with a 14-count charge involving terrorism, among others, later reduced to seven by the court.
The Court of Appeal previously ruled the manner of Kanu’s return to Nigeria violated the extradition treaty and his human rights, striking out the terrorism charges and ordering his release.
However, the FG appealed this decision and obtained a stay of execution of the judgment at the Supreme Court.
Subsequently, Kanu appealed the stay of execution at the apex court, while the FG filed an appeal contesting the appellate court’s decision.
This recent Supreme Court ruling implies the continuation of the terrorism trial against Kanu, setting aside the Court of Appeal’s prior judgment.
