IPOB queries judge over judgement on Kanu

By Paul Dada

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to provide clear legal justification for his recent decision involving its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement issued by the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB said it intends to scrutinise the ruling and draw public attention to what it considers constitutional issues raised by the judgment.

The organisation maintained that throughout the court proceedings, no firearms, explosives, or related materials were tendered as evidence against Mr Kanu. It further claimed that no witness had directly accused him of committing any offence under Nigerian or international law. According to IPOB, its observations stem from the conduct of the trial and the legal submissions made in court.

Reaffirming its long-standing position, the group argued that the demand for self-determination is anchored in internationally recognised rights, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UN covenants on civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

IPOB insisted that advocating for a referendum or pursuing political agitation should not be construed as a criminal act. It added that Mr Kanu has been in detention during recent unrest in the South-East, asserting that this should inform any assessment of his alleged involvement.

Citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that no individual may be convicted for an act not defined as an offence in written law, the group called on Justice Omotosho to identify the specific statute relied upon in reaching his decision and to clarify whether the law is currently valid.

IPOB said it would continue to review the judgment and raise what it regards as important constitutional and procedural questions, noting that the case has far-reaching implications for human rights, judicial integrity, and the rule of law in Nigeria.

The group restated its commitment to peaceful advocacy and said it will continue engaging international institutions in pursuit of its objectives through lawful and diplomatic means.