IPOB questions Nnamdi Kanu's conviction after Federal Government's cross-appeal
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
The Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB has stated that the Federal Government's cross-appeal in the case of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, undermines the legal basis of his conviction and raises questions about the trial court's jurisdiction. In a statement, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful argued that the issues raised could impact Kanu's case and the credibility of Nigeria's criminal justice system. IPOB alleges that the Federal Government, through its cross-appeal, effectively admitted that the trial court lacked jurisdiction in parts of the sentencing process, which the group believes invalidates the conviction. IPOB maintains that jurisdiction is indivisible and if a court acted without jurisdiction at the sentencing stage, the conviction cannot stand. The group also cited alleged procedural irregularities during the trial, including the use of repealed laws, denial of fair hearing, failure to disclose applicable statutes, and withholding of evidence, all of which they claim make the conviction legally unsustainable. IPOB called on the international community, legal practitioners, diplomats, and human rights organizations to monitor the proceedings, viewing the case as a test of adherence to legal principles. Kanu faces terrorism-related charges from the Federal Government. The Court of Appeal had previously discharged Kanu in October 2022, ruling his rendition from Kenya to Nigeria was unlawful, but the Supreme Court later set aside this order and directed the trial to continue,
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