The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed his lack of expectation for a fair judgment from any court in Abuja, citing political interference in his ongoing trial.
Kanu’s sentiments were shared by his lead counsel, Chief Aloy Ejimakor, following a recent visit to the Department of State Service (DSS) detention facility in Abuja, where Kanu has been held since his abduction and extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021.
In a statement, Ejimakor relayed Kanu’s frustration, saying, “He asked us to inform the general public that he’s not expecting any favourable judgment from any courts in Abuja because his cases are not decided in accordance with the rules of law but the rules of politics – dirty and deadly politics.”
Kanu reportedly stressed that the manner in which the laws are applied to him is in clear contradiction with both Nigeria’s written laws and international legal standards.
“The way and manner the laws are applied to him are not in conformity with the written laws of Nigeria or the pertinent international laws,” Ejimakor quoted him.
The IPOB leader went further to assert that those benefiting from the ongoing insecurity in the country are the ones behind the decisions being handed down in his case.
He argued that if justice were truly served, the attacks on his character and his cause would lose their traction with the public.
“Those benefitting from insecurity are the ones deciding what negative decisions to deliver because if justice were to be done, the well-orchestrated and heavily funded attacks and demonisation of his person and his lofty mission would no longer resonate with the public,” Kanu said.
Ejimakor added that Kanu urged the public to review all court decisions related to his case to understand the discrepancy between the law and the outcomes. “He insists that his trial is a sham designed to destroy truth and justice,” the legal counsel added.
Kanu’s concerns come after Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja High Court recused herself from his case last year, only for it to be reassigned to her despite protests from Kanu and his legal team.
