Supreme Court Upholds Nnamdi Kanu’s Extradition and Trial, Rejects Appeal for His Release
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed the appeal of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group that seeks to create an independent state in the south-eastern region of the country.
Kanu, who is facing various charges of treason and terrorism, had challenged his arrest and extradition from Kenya, where he was allegedly detained by Interpol and handed over to Nigerian authorities in June 2021. He also sought his release from custody, claiming that his fundamental rights had been violated.
However, the apex court ruled that Kanu’s arrest and extradition were lawful and in accordance with international treaties and protocols. The court also held that the Federal High Court had the jurisdiction to try Kanu on the charges brought against him by the Attorney General of the Federation.
The court affirmed that Kanu was not entitled to bail, as he had jumped bail in 2017 and fled the country while facing trial court ordered that Kanu should remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) until the conclusion of his trial.
Kanu, who is a British-Nigerian citizen, is the founder and director of Radio Biafra, a station that broadcasts pro-Biafra propaganda and incites violence against the Nigerian state. He is also the leader of IPOB, which was proscribed as a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government in 2017. Kanu and his followers have been accused of orchestrating several attacks on security personnel and public infrastructure in the south-east, as well as instigating civil unrest and secessionist agitation. Kanu has denied any wrongdoing and insists that he is fighting for the self-determination of the Igbo people, who he claims are marginalized and oppressed by the Nigerian state.
Kanu’s case has attracted international attention and sparked protests and demonstrations by his supporters, both within and outside Nigeria. Some human rights groups and foreign governments have expressed concern over the circumstances of his arrest and extradition, as well as the conditions of his detention and trial.
They have called for his fair treatment and due process, as well as respect for his fundamental rights and freedoms. However, the Nigerian government has maintained that Kanu is a fugitive and a threat to national security and sovereignty, and that he must face the full wrath of the law.
