Appeal Court Throws Out Nnamdi Kanu’s Rights Suit After Terrorism Conviction

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Friday dismissed a suit filed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in which he alleged violations of his fundamental rights while in custody. According to Ireporter Online, the appellate panel of three justices ruled that the matter had become academic and lacked merit following Kanu’s recent conviction for terrorism.

In the lead judgment, Justice Boloukuromo Moses Ugo held that the claims—ranging from alleged breaches of human dignity to complaints about access to healthcare and religious practice during his detention by the Department of State Services—could no longer be entertained since a Federal High Court had, on November 20, sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment. The court noted that his counsel, Maxwell Opara, confirmed during proceedings that Kanu had already been transferred to Sokoto prison, making his request to be moved to Kuje prison irrelevant.

The appeal sought to overturn the July 3 decision of retired Federal High Court judge Taiwo Taiwo, who previously dismissed Kanu’s fundamental rights enforcement suit for lack of evidence. The Director-General of the DSS, the DSS, and the Attorney-General of the Federation were listed as respondents in the matter.

It will be recalled that Justice James Omotosho had earlier convicted Kanu on all seven terrorism charges brought against him, imposing a life sentence. While delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho criticized Kanu for conduct he said contributed to unnecessary delays throughout the trial.