Victor Ezeja
Nigerian Government has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge last Thursday’s Appeal Court judgment that discharged the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami who acted on behalf of the federal government, filed the appeal on Wednesday (yesterday), asking the apex court to stay the execution of the October 13 judgment of the appellate Court.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Appeal Court had ruled that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to try the IPOB leader on the manner of his rendition to Nigeria which violates the protocol on extradition and the OAU convention, and subsequently discharged him.
Malami had, however, issued a statement shortly afterward stating that the ruling did not acquit Kanu and that the government would seek further legal options on the matter.
READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Not Over Yet – AGF
Kanu’s lead counsel Mike Ozekhome a few days ago sent a letter to the AGF with a copy of the Appeal Court judgment attached, requesting the release of the IPOB leader from DSS custody.
In the notice of appeal filed by the federal government, it faulted the decision of the lower court (Appeal Court) on the matter and prayed the Supreme Court to set aside the judgment.
The appellant argued, among others, that the Court of Appeal erred when it faulted the manner Kanu was brought back to face trial after he jumped bail and fled the country.
It also contended that the Court of Appeal erred when it struck out the pending charge against Kanu on the ground that the trial court no longer possessed the requisite jurisdiction to continue the trial because of the manner Kanu was returned to the country upon allegedly jumping bail.
The apex is yet to announce a date for hearing of the motion for the stay of execution.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
