Supreme Court orders Kanu to face 7-count terrorism charges We’ll pursue political solution to free him – Abaribe

The Supreme Court has ordered the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to face trial in the outstanding seven-count charges of terrorism against him.

The panel of justices of the court on Friday nullified the earlier order of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which quashed Kanu’s seven-count charges and ordered his release on bail after declaring his extraordinary rendition illegal.

In the judgement written by Justice Garba Lawal and read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the Supreme Court held that the Nigerian government was reckless and “irresponsible” in the unlawful rendition of Kanu from Kenya on June 19, 2021.

The apex court, however, held that the action has not divested the Federal High Court with the jurisdiction to proceed with the trial as no legislation stripped the court of such powers.

The panel said the alternative remedy would have been to file a civil matter against such act instead of removing the powers of the court to continue with his trial for alleged criminal charges.

The federal government, through the office of the then Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had in October 2022 filed the appeal at the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal judgement quashing Kanu’s charges.

The appellate court presided by Justice Jummai Hanatu Sankey had ruled that the seven-count charge against Kanu was voided by the breach of international conventions, protocols and guidelines in his “forceful abduction from Kenya and rendition to Nigeria by the federal government.”

But the AGF argued that it was in the interest of peace in the South East and the country to hold Kanu pending the determination of the appeal before the Supreme Court.

Earlier on April 8, 2022, after the arguments by Kanu’s lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), the Federal High Court in Abuja presided by Justice Binta Nyako, dismissed eight of the 15-count charges brought against him.

The judge held that the removed charges bordering on Kanu’s important of a radio transmitter, broadcasts and “public incitement” did not disclose any offence against him.

The federal government is expected to resume Kanu’s trial on the outstanding sevencount charges bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism.

We’ll pursue political solution to free Kanu – Abaribe

Meanwhile, the senator representing Abia South senatorial district in the National Assembly, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has called for calm over the Supreme Court ruling against Nnamdi Kanu.

Abaribe urged Igbos not to despair over the “unfortunate outcome” at the Supreme Court.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by his media adviser, Uchenna Awom, Senator Abaribe assured that Ndigbo would vigorously pursue a political solution that could ultimately set him free.

“I am of the firm belief that this current federal government will do something very fast to release Nnamdi Kanu, if for no other reason, but for national cohesion and unity of the country.

“As leaders, we shall continue to press for a solution that will be the best in the circumstance,” Abaribe said.