Prince Emmanuel Kanu and Abuja-based legal consultant Dr Maxwell Opara met with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, at the Sokoto Medium Security Prison. Kanu was recently transferred to the facility following his life sentence by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Speaking after the visit, Prince Emmanuel relayed Kanu’s message, saying, “His conviction was without legal basis, as no individual can be convicted under a repealed law. His final written address, which anchored on fair hearing, was also denied. He emphasized that the evidence relied upon by the court was not included in the charge sheet or presented as evidence against him.
Additionally, the court’s reliance on struck-out charges from Justice Binta Nyako was a significant issue. Upon reviewing the judgment, he identified numerous errors that undermined the validity of his trial.”
Prince Emmanuel added that Kanu urged Nigerian justices, magistrates, and lawyers to carefully examine the judgment, stressing, “He urged well-meaning Nigerian justices, magistrates, and lawyers to carefully examine the judgment and uphold the laws of the land and the Nigerian Constitution.”
The IPOB leader also questioned why previous favourable rulings were ignored. “He questioned the disparity between the favourable rulings in Umuahia High Court, Enugu, Appeal Court, United Nations, and Supreme Court, which stated that the laws under which he was charged are repealed and must be amended, yet were ignored,” Prince Emmanuel said.
Kanu commended Nigerians who have recognized the injustice and continued to show support. He said, “I am Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who will reject injustice, unfairness, and evil against anybody regardless of your tribe, faith, and ethnic background. Injustice to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is injustice everywhere. I remain thankful for all your supports, prayers, and your good thoughts. Elohim, bless you all.”
Prince Emmanuel appealed to the Federal Government and relevant authorities to ensure that Kanu’s rights are protected, especially as concerns over his health and welfare continue following his transfer.
