Ahead of the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protest slated for Monday, October 20, the federal government has been accused of disobeying its own courts by continuing to detain the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Njoku Njoku, a member of the Nnamdi Kanu defence consortium, a team of lawyers fighting for the freedom of the detained IPOB leader, made the assertion in a statement on Sunday.
Organisers of the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protest, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, have announced plans to occupy the Presidential Villa in Abuja, to demand Kanu’s release.
However, the police has warned against the protest, advising protesters to stay clear of the Presidential Villa and environs.
The organizers have, however, declared that the protest will go ahead, insisting on unconditional release of the IPOB leader.
In a statement titled: “#ReleaseNnamdiKanu, the law is clear,” Njoku declared that Kanu’s continued detention is not only illegal, but also a national disgrace.
The lawyer noted that the IPOB leader has already been acquited and released by the Court of Appeal.
He asked the federal government to enforce the Court of Appeal judgment by releasing Kanu.
”Here’s the truth they don’t want you to know: Court of Appeal cleared him.
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”On 13 October, 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted Kanu. That’s final! Yet, the DSS still locks him up. That’s pure contempt, defying the rule of law.
”Supreme Court overstepped! It twisted justice by reversing a clean acquittal based on an illegal rendition. That move shatters the doctrine of finality, meaning no one’s acquittal is safe again.
”Double jeopardy is a crime! Trying him again after an acquittal breaks Section 36(9) of the Constitution. You can’t punish a man twice for the same thing.
”Dead law, dead case! They’re charging him under the repealed Terrorism Act of 2013. That law no longer exists, so what are they even trying him for?,” the lawyer said.
Urging Nigerians to support the calls for Kanu’s release, Njoku noted that the protest is not only about Kanu, but about freedom, dignity and justice for every Nigerian.
”This fight is bigger than one man.
It’s about every Nigerian’s right to justice, dignity, and freedom. When the state tramples one man’s rights, it endangers us all.
”Our demand is simple: Obey the law. Enforce the acquital. Release Nnamdi Kanu now,” the statement added.
