From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has debunked erroneous media reports that its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was indicted over the EndSARS protest, the killing of security agents, and others.
Reacting on behalf of the group, Onyekachi Ifedi, Directorate of legal affairs , Research and Global Communications, IPOB in a statement he released to newsmen stating the judges verdicts said “No charge before the court links Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the EndSARS protests. The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the EndSARS violence did not indict Kanu or IPOB. It instead placed liability on Nigerian security agencies.
“The DSS witness who referenced EndSARS in court produced no names, locations, or forensic evidence”.
On killings of security agents Powerful said “Not a single prosecution witness has presented forensic, testimonial, or documentary evidence linking any broadcast by Kanu to actual violence.
“No security operative testified. No causation was proven. Allegations were built on Google downloads and edited videos, which were struck out or discredited in court”.
And refuting the group as a terrorist movement he said “IPOB On 1 March 2017, in Suit No.FHC/ABJ/CS/871/2015, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that IPOB is not an unlawful society.
“That decision remains valid and unchallenged. The ex parte proscription order relied upon by the prosecution was obtained without IPOB’s presence, in violation of the right to fair hearing under Section 36 of the Constitution.
Defending his importation of transmitter he said “The transmitter was imported in 2015 , six years before his rendition and well before any allegation of armed activity. There is no proof of concealment, no bill of lading, and no customs or NBC licensing breach presented. The court itself amended the charge unlawfully, failing to endorse the change under Section 218(2) of the ACJA.
Powerful added “All terrorism charges were filed under the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2013, which was repealed in 2022. Prosecution began de novo in 2023. The Supreme Court judgment reinstating charges in December 2023 was based on the erroneous belief that the repealed law was still in force. Trial under a dead law is unconstitutional. See Olafisoye v. FRN (2004).
And on further explanation about the trial Powerful said “Kanu was abducted in Kenya, subjected to torture and illegal detention, and flown into Nigeria without extradition proceedings.
“This is a textbook case of extraordinary rendition. Nigerian and international law demand that where the process of transfer is unlawful, trial cannot proceed. See Dikko v. State (1984)”. He quoted.