Supreme Court Overturns Appeal Court Decision, Insists Nnamdi Kanu Must Face Trial

Abuja, Nigeria– The Supreme Court of the nation has overturned the controversial decision of the Appeal Court that dismissed charges against Nnamdi Kanu, the pro-Biafra leader.

The apex court’s decision came as a result of the Federal Government’s appeal challenging the verdict of the lower court.

Nnamdi Kanu, who has been a central figure in the secessionist movement advocating for the independent state of Biafra, had faced charges related to a treasonable felony, illegal possession of firearms, and other related offences.

In upholding the government’s appeal, the Supreme Court held that Kanu must face trial at the Federal High Court.

The Supreme Court in the judgement delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, but prepared by Justice Garba Lawal, held that the Court of Appeal was wrong to rule that Kanu could not be tried again based on the illegality perpetrated against him by the Federal Government, following the invasion of his home.

Also, the Court held that although the Nigerian Government was reckless and unlawfully rendered Kanu from Kenya, such an unlawful act has not divested any Court from proceeding with trial.

Justice Lawal said that no Nigerian law was cited in the suit seeking Kanu’s release on the grounds of unlawful abduction from Kenya.

According to the Court, at the moment, the remedy for such an action is for Kanu to file a civil matter against the act instead of removing the powers of the courts to continue with his trial for alleged criminal charges.

It would be recalled that Kanu was arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako, of the Federal High Court in Abuja after his extradition to Nigeria by the Federal Government.