The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly denounced the resumed trial of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, scheduled for today at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
IPOB claims the trial violates Nigeria’s constitution, international law, and constitutes “judicial terrorism” and a mockery of justice.
IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, condemned the Nigerian government’s actions, stating that Kanu’s 2021 rendition from Kenya was an illegal kidnapping and breach of international treaties. He argued that Kanu’s detention, inhumane treatment, and denial of consular or legal access further violate Nigeria’s obligations under international conventions.
Powerful called the trial “an act of lawlessness,” citing Nigeria’s disregard for court rulings, including the ECOWAS Court’s 2021 decision and the Appeal Court’s 2022 judgment discharging Kanu. He urged Kanu’s new defence team to avoid legitimising an unlawful process and warned that proceeding with the trial could violate Nigeria’s Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022.
IPOB emphasised that Kanu fled Nigeria after surviving an assassination attempt, asserting that no law justifies punishing someone for escaping such a threat. They described the trial as rewarding lawlessness and undermining morality and justice.
The group appealed to global advocates of freedom, the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and human rights organisations to intervene and demand Kanu’s immediate release, calling for an end to what they term a “travesty of justice.”
