Kanu facing persecution, not justice

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has described Nnamdi Kanu’s trial in court on Wednesday as persecution and not justice.

Spokesperson of the group, Emma Powerful, who disclosed this in a statement he released to journalists, noted that the Court of Appeal’s 2022 discharge and acquittal of Kanu remains binding, as the Supreme Court, he claimed, only permitted retrial and not continued detention.

His statement read in parts: “The DSS’s disobedience of the appellate judgement renders their actions contemptuous, and they cannot benefit from the court until the contempt is purged (Hadkinson v Hadkinson, 1952).

“Kanu’s objection to being tried under repealed laws (Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013 and CEMA 2004) was ignored, despite being a jurisdictional issue that must be addressed first. The judge’s refusal to hear this objection undermines the court’s authority.” He added.

He further claimed that Kanu’s meetings with lawyers are monitored and recorded by the DSS, violating confidentiality guaranteed by Section 36 of the Constitution.

“The judge’s dismissal of this issue ignores the essence of fair hearing, which includes access to counsel and an unbiased court.”

The group also frowned at Kanu’s complaint about a forged medical report, which it said was set aside, while the judge, it alleged, relied on a previously accepted report. “This condones forgery, offending justice and the judicial oath,” Powerful said.

He continued: “The hearing reveals a pattern of bias, ignoring the Court of Appeal’s order, trampling on Kanu’s rights, and condoning forgery. This is persecution, not a trial. Until the government obeys the Court of Appeal’s order and releases Kanu, no court has authority to continue this charade,” Powerful stated.