The legal saga surrounding Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has taken a dramatic turn as his legal team files a Preliminary Objection at the Federal High Court Abuja.
This move seeks to challenge the court’s jurisdiction and halt the ongoing trial against him.
In a bold assertion of legal strategy, Kanu’s lawyers argue that the court lacks jurisdiction to proceed with the trial on several counts, citing constitutional grounds and international tribunal decisions.
Specifically, they contest the validity of Counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8, arguing that the laws underpinning these charges are unconstitutional and outdated.
Furthermore, they highlight the absence of supporting evidence and allege an abuse of the court process.
Additionally, Kanu’s counsel challenges the jurisdiction of the court to entertain Count 15, questioning its compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and its territorial scope. They contend that this count lacks evidential support and legal basis.
The legal team also raises concerns about the constitutionality of Count 3, asserting that it seeks to penalize Kanu for an act that was not criminal when it occurred, further alleging an abuse of court process.
This development comes in the wake of Justice Binta Nyako’s dismissal of Kanu’s request for the restoration of his revoked bail and his removal from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Justice Nyako cited Kanu’s breach of bail conditions and his evasion of the law as grounds for denying his request, emphasizing the futility of further appeals at the trial court level.
With the legal battle intensifying and the stakes higher than ever, Kanu’s fate hangs in the balance as the judiciary grapples with complex legal arguments and constitutional interpretations.
As the proceedings unfold, all eyes remain glued to the courtroom, awaiting the outcome of this pivotal chapter in Nigeria’s legal history.