‘Judicial terrorism’ – How Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) slams FG as Nnamdi Kanu’s trial resumes

As the trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, resumes today, the group has strongly condemned the Federal Government, describing the move as a “declaration of war on justice” and “an act of judicial terrorism.”

In a statement, IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful denounced the resumed trial, calling it not only a violation of the Nigerian Constitution but also a flagrant breach of international law and a mockery of natural justice.

“We call on all lovers of freedom, justice, and the rule of law, both within Nigeria and globally, to stand against this travesty and demand the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement read.

Powerful further accused the Nigerian government of denying Kanu access to consular assistance and legal representation during his controversial rendition, worsening what he termed an already illegal action.

“The resumption of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s trial is not just unlawful; it is an act of judicial terrorism.

“The government’s defiance of court orders — including the July 2021 ruling by the ECOWAS Court and the October 2022 Court of Appeal judgment discharging Kanu — shows blatant disregard for the rule of law,” Powerful stated.

Quoting Kanu, he added: “When the rule of law itself seems lunatic, who knows where injustice lies?”

He warned that the Federal High Court, under the stewardship of Justices Binta Nyako and Omotosho, risks “etching its name in infamy” by proceeding with what IPOB views as an illegitimate trial.

The group also charged the senior advocates on Kanu’s defence team to remain steadfast and not lend legitimacy to a process they insist is “void ab initio.”

Powerful further argued that Kanu remains a victim of an assassination attempt in Nigeria, which forced him to seek refuge abroad.

“There is no law, either in Nigeria, on earth, or in heaven, that sanctions the kidnapping of a person who fled an assassination attempt,” he said.

He called on the international community — including the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and global human rights organizations — to intervene and halt what IPOB described as a “judicial travesty.”

“The rule of law is not a suggestion; it is the foundation of any civilized society. To proceed with Mazi Kanu’s trial is to declare war on justice itself,” the statement concluded.