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Only Court Can Decide Nnamdi Kanu’s Fate, Says Nigerian Attorney-General, Fagbemi

Only Court Can Decide Nnamdi Kanu’s Fate, Says Nigerian Attorney-General, Fagbemi
May 24, 2024

The Attorney-General further stated that the Federal Government obtained 250 convictions for terrorism and other criminal acts in one year. 

The Nigerian government has stated that the issues of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu can only be resolved by a competent court of law.

 

This was stated by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. 

 

Despite calls from notable Nigerians and groups including the Amnesty International for Kanu's release, the AGF went on to say that because the case was already in court, the law should be allowed to take its course.

 

 

On Friday, the AGF made this statement in response to queries at the sectoral ministerial briefing commemorating President Bola Tinubu's first anniversary in office. 

 

While emphasising that Kanu was being held in compliance with the Constitution, he also stated that the case was still in court. 

 

The Attorney-General further stated that the Federal Government obtained 250 convictions for terrorism and other criminal acts in one year. 

 

SaharaReporters had reported that Kanu's lawyers filed a preliminary objection with the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, requesting that the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, deny jurisdiction to proceed with the trial against him.

 

Part of the issue for determination, is whether the court has the jurisdiction to try Kanu for any, or all the offences charged against him in Counts 1, 2, 4,5 and 8, to quash the said counts on the ground that the law which the said counts were predicated, is unconstitutional.

 

They pointed out that there are two international tribunal decisions against the arrest, detention, prosecution and trial of Kanu, which under the Nigerian constitution, is binding on the court.

 

 

They also stated that the law under which Kanu is currently being tried in these counts, has been repealed, and is also not supported by proof of evidence, adding that it is an abuse of court process.

 

Counsel to Kanu is also asking the court to decline jurisdiction to entertain Count 15, because it is not in compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, not within the territorial jurisdiction of the court, and is not supported by any proof of evidence and law.

 

They want the court to take further notice that count 3 of the charges is unconstitutional, as it seeks to punish Kanu for an act that was not a crime when it occurred, and is an abuse of the court process.

 

Justice Nyako had on Monday, dismissed the request by Kanu for the restoration of his revoked bail and the removal from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), to a house arrest or prison custody.

 

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Legal