The Nigerian government is facing criticism for its continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), despite a court order for his release. Ahead of the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, a member of Kanu’s defense team, Barrister Njoku Jude Njoku, has accused the government of disobeying its own courts.

Kanu was acquitted and discharged by the Court of Appeal on October 13, 2022, but he remains in detention. The Nigeria Police Force has warned against the planned protest, which aims to occupy the Presidential Villa in Abuja to demand Kanu’s release. However, the organizers, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, have vowed to proceed with the protest, insisting on Kanu’s unconditional release.

The controversy surrounding Kanu’s detention has sparked concerns about the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in Nigeria. Njoku argued that the government’s actions are a national disgrace and a clear disregard for the Constitution. He noted that the Supreme Court’s decision to reverse Kanu’s acquittal was a violation of the Doctrine of Finality, which ensures that a person’s acquittal is final and cannot be appealed.

The IPOB leader is being tried under the repealed Terrorism Act of 2013, which Njoku described as a “dead law” that no longer exists. He also argued that retrying Kanu after his acquittal would be a case of double jeopardy, which is prohibited by Section 36(9) of the Constitution.

The #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protest is not just about Kanu’s release, but also about the broader issues of freedom, dignity, and justice for all Nigerians. Njoku urged Nigerians to support the calls for Kanu’s release, emphasizing that the fight is about every citizen’s right to justice, dignity, and freedom. The protest is expected to draw attention to the government’s handling of Kanu’s case and the need for the authorities to respect the rule of law and the judiciary’s independence.