A member of the Nnamdi Kanu Global Defence Consortium, Jude Njoku, has urged the Federal Government to respect court judgments concerning the detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying his continued incarceration contradicts constitutional and judicial provisions.
Njoku described Kanu’s prolonged detention despite a subsisting appellate court judgment as a breach of the rule of law and a disregard for due process.
He said the decision of the Court of Appeal on October 13, 2022, which discharged and acquitted Kanu, remained valid and binding, adding that no citizen should be detained contrary to the pronouncements of a competent court.
According to him, the failure to comply with the appellate court’s ruling erodes public confidence in the justice system and creates the impression that judicial authority can be undermined.
“The Court of Appeal cleared him, and that judgment should stand unless properly set aside through a lawful process,” Njoku stated. “Keeping him in custody after that ruling amounts to disobedience of court orders.”
He also expressed concern over attempts to reopen or retry Kanu on similar charges, saying such action could amount to double jeopardy, which is expressly prohibited by Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“Trying him again after being discharged violates the constitutional safeguard against double jeopardy,” he said.
Njoku further questioned the legal basis for the charges, explaining that some of them were reportedly filed under the repealed Terrorism (Prevention) Act of 2013, which has since been replaced by a newer law.
He emphasized that the issue transcends Kanu’s personal case, noting that it concerns the protection of every citizen’s rights and the preservation of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
“This is not just about one man,” he said. “It is about ensuring that government respects the courts and upholds the Constitution. When the rights of any citizen are ignored, it puts the liberty of all Nigerians at risk.”
Njoku appealed to the authorities to comply with judicial orders and ensure that Kanu’s case is handled within the boundaries of the law.
“Our demand is simple,” he concluded. “Obey the law, enforce the court’s ruling, and respect the principles of justice and fairness that define our democracy.”
