Abia State High Court in Umuahia on Friday concluded hearing of the fundamental human rights’ suit filed by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The lawsuit, which was filed by Kanu’s counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, sought the stoppage of the separatist leader’s prosecution and release from the custody of the nation’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS).
In the suit filed against the Nigerian government, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and six others, it condemned the abduction of Kanu in Kenya and his extraordinary rendition to Nigeria.
Ejimakor had earlier told SaharaReporters on Friday that the court awaited the presiding judge, Justice Benson Anya.
In his address to the court, Ejimakor stated that “It’s important to emphasise that the suit is aimed at barring the prosecution of Mazi Kanu and securing his release from detention, because the opposite will amount to rewarding the government for the injustice inherent in the illegal rendition of Kanu.”
He cited the Nigerian constitution, case law and other authorities.
In their counter arguments, the legal representatives to the Respondents, which included Barristers Simon Enoch (for the AGF), Omo-Osagie M (for the police), Amos Tori (for the Nigerian Army) and C. Odukwe for the (DSS) raised preliminary objections to the jurisdiction of the court to entertain matters pertaining to the Federal Government.
At the conclusion of oral arguments, Justice Anya informed parties that they would receive a hearing notice bearing the date the court would render its judgment.