Nnamdi Kanu Seeks Dismissal of All Charges, Says His Detention Has No Legal Basis

The legal battle between the Nigerian government and the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has taken a new turn as the separatist leader files a fresh motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking for all charges against him to be struck out completely.

Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021, insists that his continued detention has no legal justification under Nigerian law. His latest court move, according to his legal team, is based on the argument that “no valid charge currently exists” against him.

Kanu’s Lawyers Challenge Jurisdiction

In the new motion, Kanu’s lawyers led by Barrister Aloy Ejimakor and Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor argue that the Federal Government’s terrorism-related charges are invalid because they rely on repealed legal provisions. They claim the case lacks merit since most of the alleged offences were not committed within Nigeria’s borders, but rather while Kanu was overseas.

The legal team further stated that Kanu’s arrest and forced return from Kenya in 2021 violated international laws and Nigeria’s own constitutional protections. “You cannot prosecute a man based on an unlawful abduction and invalid law,” one of his counsels reportedly said.

They therefore asked the court to dismiss all pending charges and order Kanu’s immediate release.

Background of the Case

Nnamdi Kanu was first arrested in 2015 for leading the secessionist movement known as IPOB, which advocates for the independence of the South-East region of Nigeria. After being granted bail in 2017, he fled the country following a military operation in his hometown.
He was later rearrested in 2021 in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria under controversial circumstances, sparking national and international criticism.

Since his return, Kanu has faced multiple amendments to his terrorism-related charges, but his lawyers maintain that the charges are politically motivated and legally defective.

Federal Government’s Position

The Federal Government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), maintains that Kanu’s case must continue. They accuse him of using his radio broadcasts and online messages to incite violence and insecurity across the South-East region.

Officials have also argued that Kanu’s trial is not about political persecution but about national security and public safety. According to government sources, dropping the case could set a dangerous precedent for other secessionist groups.

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Public Reactions

Reactions to the new development have been mixed.
Supporters of Nnamdi Kanu, especially in the South-East, welcomed the fresh motion as “a bold step towards justice,” while others expressed concern that the constant legal back-and-forth could deepen regional tensions.

Human rights activists have urged the government to obey court orders and consider a political resolution rather than a prolonged legal standoff.

Meanwhile, security analysts warn that the government’s handling of the case could influence peace efforts in the South-East and Nigeria’s broader unity challenges.

What Lies Ahead

The motion is expected to be heard in court later this month. If granted, it could lead to the complete dismissal of all charges and Kanu’s freedom after more than four years in detention.

However, if denied, his trial will continue amid growing domestic and international scrutiny. Either way, this latest move marks another defining moment in one of Nigeria’s most controversial legal and political battles.

Conclusion

The Nnamdi Kanu case remains a symbol of the deep divisions within Nigeria’s political and ethnic landscape. As the courts prepare to decide his fate, the outcome could shape not only the future of the IPOB movement but also the federal government’s approach to dissent, self-determination, and national dialogue.