An Abuja-based lawyer, Onyedikachi Ifedi, has once again called on the Nigerian judiciary to uphold the rule of law in the ongoing trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who faces terrorism charges filed by the federal government.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, Ifedi criticised the Supreme Court’s December 15, 2023, judgment, which permitted Kanu’s trial to continue despite his extraordinary rendition from Kenya. He described the verdict as a “catastrophic failure of judicial duty” and warned that it sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s justice system.

Key Points Raised by Ifedi:

Violation of international law: He argued that Kanu’s abduction from Kenya breached global treaties and African human rights charters.

Breach of natural justice: According to him, the illegal rendition invalidates the trial, making all subsequent proceedings a legal nullity.

Dangerous precedent: Ifedi warned that allowing such a judgment to stand means any Nigerian critical of government policies could be abducted abroad and forced to face trial at home without due process.

Erosion of democracy: He stressed that ignoring these violations sends a message that the government is above the law, undermining constitutional guarantees and citizens’ rights.

Citing past rulings such as Ariori vs. Elemo (1983) and Adigun vs. A.G. Oyo State (1987), Ifedi reminded the judiciary that any breach of fair hearing and due process renders proceedings void from the start. He also pointed to the June 24, 2025 judgment of the High Court of Kenya, which found Nigeria guilty of violating international law in Kanu’s case, as further evidence that the Supreme Court’s ruling was fundamentally flawed.

Ifedi called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), senior advocates, civil rights groups, and the media to speak out against the ruling and push for a reversal. He stressed that the case is not about Kanu’s guilt or innocence but about whether Nigeria will allow its courts to protect constitutional rights or enable state-sponsored impunity.

“This is not about sympathy for Nnamdi Kanu,” he said. “It is about defending the Constitution that protects every Nigerian. If the Supreme Court does not correct this error, our democracy and human rights protections will remain at risk.”

 

The lawyer further urged the international community to take note of the breach of international law and apply diplomatic pressure to ensure Nigeria adheres to global human rights standards.

For Ifedi, the path forward is clear: the Supreme Court must review and overturn its own decision, declare the proceedings against Kanu a nullity, and secure his release.