Calling for justice, equity, and fair-play, the Igbo community in the diaspora emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach in handling the terrorism charges against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), brought forward by the federal government.
Addressing the trial Judge, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, the group urges her to prioritize fairness and uphold the integrity of the judiciary while adjudicating on the case.
In an open letter to Justice Nyako, the diaspora Igbo group, operating under the banner of the American Veterans of Igbo Decent (AVID), implores her to follow the provisions of Nigeria’s Constitution and pertinent laws in ensuring justice and potentially absolving Kanu of the charges.
The letter, signed by Dr. Sylvester Onyia, President of AVID, and Godson Obiagwu, Secretary, highlights the significance of observing the Supreme Court’s counsel that the earlier granted bail to Kanu should not have been revoked.
Despite Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejiamakor, arguing for bail orally, Justice Nyako insisted that a written application be submitted, citing the court’s record-keeping procedures.
The group expresses concern over Kanu’s declining health and emphasizes the importance of granting the bail request in light of the IPOB leader’s situation.
Referring to Kanu as a “prisoner of conscience,” the group points out the injustices faced by him and his family, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Last year, the Court of Appeal in Abuja acquitted Kanu of terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government and ordered his immediate release without conditions.
The Federal Government challenged this decision at the Supreme Court, which ruled in their favor but acknowledged that Kanu’s bail should not have been revoked.
Justice Nyako is set to rule on Kanu’s plea for the restoration of his bail and his transfer from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to either house arrest or prison on May 20, 2024.
The court scheduled this decision following arguments presented by Kanu’s legal team, led by Aloy Ejimakor, and the federal government’s representative, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).
Kanu, who has been in custody since 2021, requested the restoration of the bail granted to him in 2017 by the same judge, stating that he did not violate any bail conditions but fled the country due to security threats.
He refuted the government’s claims of bail violation and misleading the court, further seeking to withdraw the arrest warrant issued against him during his absence.
In a separate motion, Kanu’s legal team argued for his relocation from DSS custody to house arrest or prison, emphasizing the need for unrestricted lawyer access to prepare his defense against the terrorism charges.
However, the federal legal team, led by Adegboyega Awomolo SAN, opposed Kanu’s requests, arguing against the granting of bail and the relocation from DSS custody.
Awomolo emphasized that defendants cannot dictate court proceedings in criminal cases, citing Kanu’s past bail breach as grounds for denial of the current bail request.
The senior lawyer deemed Kanu’s fresh bail application as an abuse of court process and suggested that the Court of Appeal should be approached for further review.
Regarding the request for relocation from DSS custody, Awomolo advocated for Kanu’s safety, asserting that DSS custody ensures his protection.
He disputed Kanu’s claims of hindered lawyer access, stating that no evidence was provided to support such allegations in the application.