The detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has filed two separate lawsuits against the Nigerian government, alleging violations of his constitutional rights, including the right to a fair and speedy trial.
Kanu, through his Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, is seeking ₦100 billion in damages, a transfer of his trial to the South-East, and a formal apology published in three national newspapers.
Key Points of the Lawsuits:
- First Suit (CV/875/25):
- Seeks unconditional release from detention.
- Alleges violation of fair trial rights under Section 36(1) & (4) of the Nigerian Constitution.
- Demands ₦100 billion compensation for physical, mental, and emotional trauma.
- Requests a public apology from the Nigerian government.
- Second Suit (M/3224/2025):
- Requests a writ of mandamus compelling the Nigerian government to follow due legal process.
- Demands the transfer of the case to the South-East, where Kanu argues it should have been originally filed.
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Grounds for the Lawsuits:
Kanu’s legal team cited several constitutional breaches following the recusal of Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako on September 24, 2024, including:
- Failure to reassign the case to another judge.
- Returning the case to the same judge after recusal.
- Refusal to transfer the case to the South-East.
- Delays in bringing the case to trial, keeping Kanu in detention for nearly four years.
Kanu’s Position on the Legal Battle:
In a statement, Barrister Ejimakor emphasized that Kanu will not remain silent in the face of continued injustices.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu cannot fold his hands while these injustices persist. The actions by the authorities constitute a grave miscarriage of justice, including keeping him in detention for almost four years without a fair trial.”
The legal team asserts that these lawsuits are a necessary step to uphold Kanu’s fundamental rights and ensure that his case is handled lawfully and without further delays.
