The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern statement urging the Nigerian judiciary, particularly Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court, to uphold justice in the ongoing trial of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The group cautioned that the world is closely observing how the case unfolds, especially after a Kenyan High Court recently declared Kanu’s abduction and extraordinary rendition illegal under both Kenyan and international law.
In a statement signed by IPOB's spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group reiterated its respect for the judiciary but warned that justice must not be compromised under state pressure.
"The Nigerian political and legal persecution of our leader has reached a pivotal juncture. The Honourable Court of Justice Omotosho must recognise that the world is watching. Justice cannot be abducted," the statement read.
IPOB Raises Legal Concerns Over Kanu's Trial
IPOB questioned the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to try Kanu for alleged offences said to have been committed in the United Kingdom and Kenya. Citing Section 76(1)(d)(iii) of Nigeria's Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the group argued that the court lacks jurisdiction without proof from a Kenyan court that the alleged offences constitute crimes under Kenyan law.
"This is the legal threshold that must be crossed before Justice Omotosho can even contemplate entertaining the so-called charges," IPOB said.
The statement criticised the Nigerian Supreme Court's recent ruling which remitted the case back to the High Court, arguing that the decision ignored established legal precedent against cross-border abductions.
"No Law Supports Kanu’s Rendition"
IPOB also referenced the Mohammed Dikko case, where the Supreme Court of Nigeria ruled that no one should be abducted abroad and tried in Nigeria without due process. The group accused the judiciary of ignoring this precedent and questioned whether the Nigerian Supreme Court is still committed to upholding constitutional and international legal norms.
"Can illegality give birth to legality? Can abduction, torture, and rendition produce a lawful trial?" IPOB queried.
Demand for Kanu’s Release
The group insisted that Kanu’s trial is a "travesty of justice" and called for its immediate termination, along with Kanu’s unconditional release.
"There is only one lawful outcome: Terminate this politically motivated trial and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu immediately," the statement concluded.
IPOB warned that failure to uphold justice would tarnish the reputation of Nigeria’s judiciary, likening Justice Omotosho’s court to that of Justice Binta Nyako, whose handling of earlier proceedings involving Kanu attracted widespread criticism.
Global Attention on Nigeria’s Judiciary
The group’s statement underscores growing international interest in the trial, particularly following the Kenyan High Court's decision that declared Kanu's rendition to Nigeria illegal. Legal observers and rights advocates continue to monitor the case amid concerns about human rights violations and abuse of judicial processes in Nigeria.
