Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a fresh application before the court, seeking to halt his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Nivo News, Kanu, in a document dated October 16, challenged the jurisdiction of the court to continue hearing the case and asked that all previous proceedings be voided. The document, titled “Notice of Preliminary Objection to Jurisdiction,” was personally signed by Kanu, while a 43-paragraph affidavit in support was deposed to by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, who identified himself as the defendant’s sibling.

The objection was filed on the same day the court scheduled dates for Kanu to open his defence. However, the prosecution team has raised questions over the authenticity of the filing and has written to Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), to confirm if the document originated from his legal team. The lead prosecutor, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), in his letter, requested clarification, stating that his office received the document and sought verification from Agabi’s team.

At the previous sitting on October 16, Justice James Omotosho fixed six consecutive hearing dates starting from October 23 for the defence to present its case. He also granted Kanu’s legal team a private consultation session with their client on October 22 within the courtroom, following concerns that discussions at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility might be monitored.

The judge further referenced a medical report issued by a panel set up by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which declared Kanu medically fit to stand trial, stating that his ailments were not life-threatening. Agabi confirmed receiving and reviewing the report, noting that the defence had no objection to its findings.

In his new motion, Kanu is seeking several declarations, including that his continued prosecution under the repealed Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act of 2013 violates constitutional provisions and international charters on fair hearing. He is also asking the court to nullify all proceedings, arguing that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya without extradition proceedings deprived the court of jurisdiction.

Kanu’s notice of objection also challenges counts one to eight of the amended charge, claiming they amount to double jeopardy since similar counts were previously struck out. He further alleged violations of his rights to fair hearing and confidential communication with his lawyers.

The IPOB leader maintains that his continued trial, despite the Court of Appeal’s ruling discharging him in October 2022, amounts to contempt of court. He insists that the combination of these factors invalidates the current proceedings against him.