The Supreme Court, on Friday, invalidated the Court of Appeal’s judgment that directed the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from detention.
While the unanimous decision by a five-member panel of Justices at the apex court acknowledged the Federal Government’s “irresponsible” action of forcibly bringing Kanu back to the country from Kenya, contrary to established laws, it maintained that such actions were insufficient to strip the trial court of its jurisdiction to proceed with the case.
It asserted that there is no legislation in the country that deprives the trial court of jurisdiction to proceed with Kanu’s case, despite the Federal Government’s illicit actions against him.
In the judgment, prepared by Justice Garba Mohammed but delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court stated that Kanu’s recourse was to file a civil action against the government.
The court, however, criticized the Federal Government, emphasizing the need for it to be mindful of its image both domestically and internationally. It also censured the trial court for revoking Kanu’s bail after he fled to safeguard his life following the invasion of his home by security agents.
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), initially arrested in Lagos on October 14, 2015, has been in detention since June 29, 2021.