Abuja – The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly condemned the resumption of the trial of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as a violation of both Nigerian and international legal frameworks. The trial is scheduled to continue today at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Monday by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emma Powerful, the group labelled the proceedings as a “judicial travesty,” calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Kanu.
“The Nigerian government’s continued prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu not only breaches the Constitution but also disregards international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory,” Powerful said.
Kanu was arrested in Kenya in June 2021 and brought back to Nigeria under what IPOB terms an “extraordinary rendition” — a move they insist was carried out without due legal process, and in violation of his rights to legal representation and consular assistance. IPOB maintains that this act amounts to kidnapping and undermines Nigeria’s international obligations.
Citing prior rulings — including a July 2021 ECOWAS Court decision and an October 2022 Appeal Court judgment that discharged Kanu — the group accused the Nigerian government of openly defying court orders.
“The resumption of this trial not only contravenes established legal rulings but also represents what we consider an act of judicial terrorism,” the statement added.
IPOB also addressed the newly appointed legal team defending Kanu, urging them to uphold the rule of law and refuse to participate in what it termed “an unlawful process.”
The group further called on the international community, including the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and global human rights organizations, to step in and prevent what it described as a “judicial injustice.”
