A lawyer and public affairs analyst, Barrister Christopher Chidera, has alleged that professional lapses by members of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s former legal team contributed to the prolonged detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Chidera made the allegation in a public briefing issued on Tuesday, where he sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding the disengagement of lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor from Kanu’s legal team.
According to him, public attention should remain focused on the legal issues arising from the proceedings rather than disagreements among members of the defence team.
“As a legal practitioner and public affairs analyst committed to constitutional supremacy, fair hearing, and respect for court orders, I write on the circumstances surrounding the disengagement of Ifeanyi Ejiofor from Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team,” he stated.
He noted that with the matter now before the Court of Appeal following Kanu’s conviction, the public should not be misled by what he described as distortions that conceal critical professional failures.
Chidera reviewed developments following the October 13, 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which discharged Kanu on terrorism-related charges, and argued that subsequent legal proceedings remain central to the appeal currently before the court.
He said the appeal raises fundamental questions concerning jurisdiction, fair hearing and compliance with appellate court decisions.
“The appeal currently before the Court of Appeal raises serious questions of jurisdictional nullity, fair hearing, and obedience to appellate orders,” he said.
“The rule of law requires transparency. The Court of Appeal must now address the foundational irregularities in this matter.”
Speaking on the changes in Kanu’s legal representation, Chidera maintained that the defendant’s family was entitled to demand accountability from lawyers handling such a sensitive case.
“Families have every right to demand competence and accountability from counsel entrusted with such high-stakes matters,” he stated.
He urged members of the public to focus on the legal merits of the appeal rather than personal disputes among members of the defence team.
“At this critical stage, the public must see beyond personal vendettas,” he added.
Kanu, who is currently challenging his conviction at the Court of Appeal, is seeking to overturn the judgment against him.
