Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Accuses Nigerian Government of Continued Persecution After Thursday’s Court Session

By Luchiinter News
Date: October 23, 2025

The legal team of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has accused the Nigerian government of deliberate persecution and abuse of the judicial process, following Thursday’s proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In a statement made available to Sahara Reporters, Kanu’s lead counsel, Barrister Onyedikachi Ifedi, condemned what he described as the government’s “persistent disobedience to court orders” and “manipulation of legal procedures” aimed at frustrating Kanu’s right to fair trial.

Court Proceedings and Fresh Complaints

Thursday’s hearing was one of several ongoing sessions in the long-running trial of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021.

Barrister Ifedi told journalists that the court proceedings further exposed the government’s determination to “prolong Kanu’s suffering” instead of ensuring a lawful and fair resolution. According to him, the prosecution relied on repealed laws and questionable evidence in its submissions, while refusing to comply with multiple court rulings that granted Kanu certain rights.

“What happened in court today only confirms what we have been saying for years — that this is no longer a trial but a persecution,” Ifedi said. “Our client has endured unlawful detention, denied medical care, and faced endless adjournments. The Nigerian government is using the judicial system to silence him.”

He noted that several court orders directing the DSS to improve Kanu’s living conditions, allow him access to his doctors, and ease visitation restrictions have not been obeyed. “Every order in his favour has been ignored,” he added.

Background of the Case

Nnamdi Kanu, a British-Nigerian political activist, founded the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) — a movement calling for the secession of the South-East from Nigeria. The federal government proscribed IPOB as a terrorist organization in 2017, a label the group continues to reject.

Kanu’s legal troubles began in 2015 when he was first arrested and charged with treasonable felony and incitement over his calls for Biafra’s independence. He was later released on bail in 2017 but fled the country after his home in Abia State was raided by security forces.

In 2021, Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya and flown back to Nigeria under circumstances that sparked international outrage and claims of illegal rendition. Since then, he has remained in detention, facing multiple charges, including conspiracy, terrorism, and incitement.

Lawyer Alleges Bias and Political Motivation

Ifedi further alleged that the judiciary is under political pressure to keep Kanu in detention despite repeated legal victories. He cited a Court of Appeal ruling in 2022, which discharged and acquitted Kanu on the grounds that his arrest violated international law — a judgment that was later suspended after the federal government appealed to the Supreme Court.

“The continued detention of our client, despite a valid court ruling in his favour, is a stain on Nigeria’s justice system,” Ifedi said. “It is politically motivated and meant to break his spirit. But we will continue to seek justice through every lawful means.”

He added that the defense team has filed fresh applications demanding Kanu’s unconditional release and an investigation into the circumstances of his arrest and detention.

International Reactions and Growing Pressure

The renewed legal battle has drawn reactions from international observers and human rights organizations. Groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly urged the Nigerian government to respect court orders and ensure a fair, transparent judicial process.

The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has also criticized Kanu’s detention as “illegal and unjustifiable,” calling for his immediate release. However, the Nigerian government has maintained that Kanu must face trial for his alleged offenses against the state.

IPOB’s Response

Following the court session, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, released a statement describing the proceedings as “a mockery of justice.” He reiterated the group’s stance that Kanu’s continued detention was part of a larger plan to suppress the Biafran movement.

“The world must see the cruelty of the Nigerian system,” the statement read. “Our leader has committed no crime. His only offense is demanding self-determination — a right guaranteed by international law.”

The group also called on the international community to intervene, warning that the growing frustration in the South-East could lead to further unrest if Kanu remains detained.

Government’s Position

The Federal Ministry of Justice maintains that Kanu’s trial follows due process and insists that he must answer to the charges against him. A government official who spoke anonymously said:

“No one is above the law. Mr. Kanu’s case is being handled according to the constitution. The courts are free to decide, and the government will abide by lawful rulings.”

However, critics argue that the government’s actions contradict its words, citing its history of ignoring court judgments in politically sensitive cases.

Conclusion

Thursday’s events have once again placed Nigeria’s judiciary and human rights record under the global spotlight. As the legal back-and-forth continues, many Nigerians are asking a simple question: When will justice finally be done?

For Nnamdi Kanu’s supporters, the case represents more than a personal struggle — it symbolizes the larger fight for freedom, fairness, and equality in Nigeria. For the government, however, it is a matter of national security and unity.

Whichever side prevails, one thing remains certain: the world is watching how Nigeria handles this critical test of democracy and justice.