The family of Nnamdi Kanu, the imprisoned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has publicly rejected the recent judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. In a statement issued on Monday, family spokesperson Emmanuel Kanu expressed deep concerns over what they deem to be significant legal irregularities in the court’s decision.
The family highlighted several constitutional points raised during the trial, particularly referencing Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution, which stipulates that no individual can be convicted without a clearly defined offence in existing law. They argued that previous Supreme Court rulings on repealed laws support their position that Kanu should not face conviction under outdated statutes.
Moreover, the family criticized the court’s reliance on transitional or savings clauses, asserting that these should not apply in Kanu’s case as his matter was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, effectively terminating all prior charges.
The statement further emphasized that constitutional protections must be upheld, insisting that no legal authority can override the rights guaranteed under Section 36. They concluded with a call for adherence to constitutional law and fair legal processes in all proceedings.
Nnamdi Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted on multiple counts of terrorism offences, following a high-profile trial that has drawn significant public attention.
