Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has called on Nigerian magistrates, judges and legal practitioners to thoroughly scrutinize the judgment that led to his conviction, insisting that the decision lacks any legal foundation.
Kanu made the appeal during a visit by his younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, and human rights lawyer, Maxwell Opara, at the Sokoto Medium Security Prison, where he is currently being held.
According to Emmanuel and Opara, the IPOB leader maintained that he was unlawfully convicted, arguing that no Nigerian can be found guilty under a law that has already been repealed. He further stated that his final written address which he said raised serious concerns about denial of fair hearing was not considered by the court.
Kanu also faulted the evidence relied upon by the trial court, claiming that it was neither listed on the charge sheet nor formally presented during proceedings. He described the court’s reliance on previously struck-out charges, earlier dismissed by Justice Binta Nyako, as a major procedural defect.
He urged members of the Nigerian judiciary to uphold the Constitution and demonstrate fairness and impartiality in the discharge of their duties..
