Kanu Denounces Court of Appeal’s Ruling on IPOB, Declares Legal Fight Ahead
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has vowed to vigorously challenge the Court of Appeal’s recent judgment affirming the proscription of IPOB as a terrorist organization.
In a statement issued by his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu expressed his intention to contest the ruling, describing it as “faulty” and declaring that the judgment would “live in infamy.” He emphasized that the legal team would continue to challenge the decision both within Nigeria’s legal framework and on international legal grounds.
Kanu’s legal team, during the appeal, raised concerns about the process by which IPOB was proscribed in 2017. They argued that the proscription order had been obtained through an ex parte application, bypassing a fair hearing and violating IPOB’s constitutional rights. Additionally, they pointed out that the proscription directive had been signed by the late Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, rather than President Buhari himself, which they believe was not in line with the law.
Despite acknowledging these lapses, the Court of Appeal upheld the proscription, citing national security concerns. Kanu’s legal counsel contested this reasoning, questioning what national security threat IPOB posed in 2017 that would justify the breach of constitutional provisions. They argued that such an action unfairly targeted the Igbo population as a whole.
Furthermore, Ejimakor clarified that the recent ruling would have no prejudicial effect on Kanu’s ongoing trial for alleged terrorism at the Federal High Court. The ruling, he stated, was not final, and Kanu is resolved to take the case to the Supreme Court, which remains the final authority.
In response to the ruling, Ejimakor also cautioned against labeling Kanu or IPOB as terrorists, emphasizing that the issue is still subject to appeal. He warned of legal action against anyone who attempts to use the ruling to harm Kanu’s reputation or the interests of the Igbo people.
“Until the Supreme Court makes its final decision, it is legally unwise to label Kanu a terrorist,” he said, stressing that the legal battle is far from over and that any defamatory claims would be met with significant legal retaliation.
In conclusion, Kanu’s legal team remains committed to challenging the Court of Appeal’s ruling, and they are prepared to continue their fight at the Supreme Court level.
