The embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has vowed to challenge and resist the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which upheld the proscription of IPOB and its designation as a terrorist organisation.
Kanu, through his legal team, stated that the judgment did not align with the Nigerian Constitution and relevant legal statutes. He assured that the ruling would be contested through legal means, both locally and internationally.
Court of Appeal Upholds IPOB’s Proscription
On Thursday, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal upheld an earlier order by Justice Abdu Kafarati of the Federal High Court, which proscribed IPOB and labeled it a terrorist group.
In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal agreed with the Federal Government’s legal representative, Oyin Koleosho, that the proscription of IPOB was lawful, citing national security concerns.
The court ruled that IPOB’s activities posed a threat to Nigeria’s unity and security.
Kanu Faults Judgment, Cites Legal Irregularities
Reacting to the ruling, Kanu argued that the proscription order was obtained through an ex parte application by the Federal Government instead of a hearing on notice before a judge, as required by law.
During a routine legal meeting at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja, his lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, issued a statement highlighting Kanu’s position on the matter.
“The ruling affirming IPOB’s proscription as a terror group will be vigorously challenged within the parameters of the law—both municipal and international. Sooner than later, it shall be demonstrated that the judgment does not meet the constitutional and statutory standards,” the statement read.
Ejimakor further argued that the proscription violated the constitutional right to fair hearing, as IPOB was neither notified nor given the opportunity to defend itself before the Federal High Court issued the order.
He also pointed out an alleged procedural flaw, stating that the proscription directive was signed by the late Abba Kyari, rather than former President Muhammadu Buhari, as required by law.
Kanu Takes Case to Supreme Court
Kanu assured his supporters that the Court of Appeal ruling would not affect his main case, emphasizing that the decision was not final. He confirmed that his legal team would appeal the ruling at the Supreme Court.
“The decision of the Court of Appeal will have little to no effect on my case, as the matter is not concluded. We are heading to the Supreme Court, which remains the final arbiter in this matter,” he said.
He also hinted at the possibility of exploring other legal options beyond the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling.
Warning Against Labelling Him a Terrorist
Kanu strongly warned against referring to him as a terrorist based on the Court of Appeal ruling, stressing that the matter remains legally unsettled.
“It is legally unsafe to call me a terrorist until I am convicted, which is highly unlikely, or until the Supreme Court rules against me, which is even more improbable. Anyone who spreads such libellous claims will face immediate legal action,” he stated.
Condemns Alleged Bias Against the Igbo
Kanu also described the ruling as a reflection of deep-seated bias against the Igbo people in Nigeria.
“Only those unfamiliar with the institutionalised disdain for the Igbo in Nigeria will be surprised by such a ruling. The blatant denial of fair hearing and its judicial endorsement is a mockery of justice, and it shall not stand,” he concluded.