A human rights lawyer has accused the Nigerian government of using the justice system as a facade to persecute Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra. Barrister Christopher Chidera, a member of Kanu’s legal team, made this statement amid ongoing calls for Kanu’s release. Chidera argued that Kanu is being subjected to political persecution, rather than facing a legitimate trial.
The lawyer’s statement comes in response to a recent publication that suggested Kanu’s fate should be decided by the court, rather than through a political solution. However, Chidera countered that the Nigerian government has no evidence to sustain the terrorism charges against Kanu. He also pointed out that the IPOB was not responsible for the sit-at-home actions in the South-East, which have been hijacked by criminals.
Chidera emphasized that the IPOB leadership had officially ended the sit-at-home policy years ago and has since repeatedly condemned and disowned its continuation. He also noted that Kanu himself had issued handwritten directives in 2023, ordering a complete stop to any sit-at-home actions and warning those behind it to desist.
The lawyer faulted the argument that Kanu’s case should be decided by the court, rather than through a political solution, citing the unlawful abduction and rendition of Kanu from Kenya in 2021. He also pointed out that the Court of Appeal in Abuja had discharged and acquitted Kanu in October 2022, holding that his rendition stripped Nigerian courts of jurisdiction to try him.
Chidera condemned the comparison of Kanu’s case with known terrorists like Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, arguing that Kanu’s offense was speech, not violence. He emphasized that justice is not achieved by slogans, but by obeying court orders, respecting constitutional safeguards, and applying the law equally to all citizens.
The Nigerian government’s refusal to comply with court rulings has undermined justice, Chidera said. He urged the government and all stakeholders to uphold real justice in Kanu’s case, emphasizing that the continued detention and re-trial of Kanu is not a legal process, but political persecution that offends both Nigeria’s Constitution and her conscience.
The case has sparked widespread debate and calls for Kanu’s release, with some arguing that his detention is a violation of his human rights. The Nigerian government’s handling of the case has been criticized by many, who argue that it is a clear example of political persecution. As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Nigerian government will respond to the mounting pressure to release Kanu.