Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has
hailed the appeal court’s judgement on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous
People of Biafra (IPOB).
On Thursday, the court struck out the seven-count charge
against Kanu, including the terrorism accusation filed by the federal
government.
Kanu was re-arraigned on an amended 15-count charge, but on
April 8, the judge struck out eight counts.
Through his team of lawyers led by Mike Ozekhome, Kanu filed
an appeal marked CA/ABJ/CR/625/2022, praying the court to quash the remaining
seven counts for being devoid of merit.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, a three-member panel of the
appellate court, led by Hanatu Sankey, held that the federal government flouted
the Terrorism Act and violated all known international conventions and treaties
guiding the extradition process, thus, breaching the rights of the respondent.
The court further held that having illegally and forcefully
renditioned the appellant from Kenya, the trial court is stripped of
jurisdiction to continue to try Kanu.
Reacting in a statement issued by Chiedozie Ogbonnia, its
spokesperson, Ohanaeze Ndigbo said the verdict is a “major boost to the image
of Nigeria among the comity of nations”.
“This is a plus to
the Nigerian democracy and a sign that brighter days lie ahead. What occurred
today is a sign of bright light at the end of the tunnel,” the statement reads.
Ogbonnia said Ohanaeze led by Ambassador George Obiozor “has
maintained that Nnamdi Kanu is a phenomenon that expresses the injustice,
orchestrated alienation and inequity against the Igbo. On the other hand, all
the oppressed groups in Nigeria are symbolized in Nnamdi Kanu. Nnamdi Kanu,
therefore, symbolizes the Igbo collective unconscious”.
“Obiozor has repeatedly reminded the federal government that
the incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is an ill wind that blows nobody any good.
The fate of Nnamdi Kanu had caused tremendous apprehensions including the
Monday Sit at Home, its enforcement by the unknown gunmen, the roadblocks on
the major roads in all parts of Igbo land and ultimately the monumental loss of
goods, especially in the South East of Nigeria. This explains why the landmark
judgement by the appeal court justices has reverberated across the country and
beyond with jubilation galore.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo salutes the courage and uprightness of the
Court of Appeal justices for this landmark judgement. We want to use this
opportunity to commend the indefatigability, steadfastness and commitment of
all the legal luminaries that sacrificed their intellect and resources in
defence of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and in the pursuit of justice.”
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