IPOB condemns Nnamdi Kanu trial as persecution, alleging bias, contempt of court, and breach of fair hearing by the DSS and judiciary

IPOB Nnamdi Kanu Trial proceedings have been described by the Indigenous People of Biafra as “persecution, not justice,” following Wednesday’s court session involving their detained leader.

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In a statement issued by IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group maintained that the Court of Appeal’s 2022 discharge and acquittal of Kanu remains legally binding, insisting that the Supreme Court only allowed a retrial, not continued detention.

Powerful accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of defying the appellate judgment, describing their actions as “contemptuous” and invoking the 1952 English case of Hadkinson v Hadkinson to argue that “no one in contempt of court should benefit from its proceedings.”

According to him, Kanu’s objection to being tried under repealed laws—the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013 and the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) 2004—was ignored by the presiding judge, despite its jurisdictional importance.

“The judge’s refusal to hear this objection undermines the court’s authority,” Powerful stated.

He further alleged that Kanu’s meetings with his lawyers are monitored and recorded by DSS officials, violating his constitutional right to confidential legal access under Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.

“The judge’s dismissal of this issue ignores the essence of fair hearing, which includes access to counsel and an unbiased court,” he added.

Powerful also criticised the court for allegedly overlooking a forged medical report, claiming that by relying on a questionable document, the court had “condoned forgery and offended the principles of justice.”

“The hearing reveals a pattern of bias, ignoring the Court of Appeal’s order, trampling on Kanu’s rights, and condoning forgery,” he said. “This is persecution, not a trial.”

IPOB maintained that no court possesses the authority to continue Kanu’s trial until the Federal Government obeys the appellate court’s order to release him.

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The group reiterated its demand for Kanu’s immediate release, accusing the Nigerian authorities of using the legal process to “intimidate and silence dissent.”