Social media activist, Juliet Anibueze, has criticised the Federal Government over what she described as attempts to frustrate the appeal of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
Anibueze, in a commentary on Kanu’s ongoing legal battle, questioned why the government would seek to discourage his appeal if it was confident in the conviction secured against him.
She argued that Kanu should be allowed to exhaust the available legal remedies without intimidation, insisting that alleged threats would not stop him from challenging the judgment.
“Not everyone can be intimidated,” she said, while reacting to what she described as threats against Kanu.
Anibueze also questioned the rationale behind any attempt to avoid the appellate process, saying the government should defend its case before the courts if it was convinced of the strength of the evidence against Kanu.
“You claim he’s guilty. You claim you have all the evidence. In fact, you’ve already sentenced him to life imprisonment. So why are you begging to avoid his appeal?” she asked.
She added that it was unusual for a convicted person to seek to challenge a judgment while the government allegedly sought to avoid the appellate process.
“If your case is solid, face it and stop running away from your own court,” she said.
The activist further urged the Federal Government to allow the judiciary to determine the outcome of Kanu’s appeal rather than resorting to delays or seeking a political resolution.
Kanu has been involved in a prolonged legal battle with the Federal Government following his arrest and prosecution on terrorism-related charges.
His case has continued to generate significant political and public attention, particularly in the South-East, where his supporters have repeatedly demanded his release.
The Federal Government has maintained that Kanu was prosecuted in accordance with the law, while his legal team has continued to challenge his conviction.
Anibueze said the government should allow the judicial process to run its course if it remained confident in the conviction.
