The eagerly awaited judgment regarding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been scheduled for December 15, as announced by the Supreme Court.
This decision comes after a protracted legal battle that has captured national and international attention.
In October 2022, the Court of Appeal in Abuja ruled in favour of Kanu's release, instructing the Federal Government to free him from detention. However, dissatisfied with this verdict, the Federal Government decided to escalate the matter to the highest court in the land.
During today's proceedings, a distinguished five-member panel presided over by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun announced the date for the pivotal ruling. The courtroom was packed with anticipation as lawyers, observers, and supporters of both sides awaited this critical decision.
Mike Ozekhome, SAN, who serves as counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, passionately pleaded with the court to order his client's immediate release. He also urged the court to impose a significant punitive cost on the Federal Government for their actions.
"We urge my lords to uphold our Cross-Appeal to do substantial justice to this matter and to the Respondent who has been in detention since June 29, 2021, even after the lower court ordered his release and that he should never be prosecuted again on the same counts. They are still holding him unconstitutionally. We pray, my Lords, to deliver justice and use this case, just like in Ojukwu vs State, to demonstrate that no man or government should be above the law," Ozekhome passionately stated.
On the other side, the Federal Government lawyer implored the Supreme Court to overturn the judgment that had ordered Kanu's release. He urged the court to mandate the resumption of his trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges.
The fate of Nnamdi Kanu now hangs in the balance, with December 15 marking a crucial day in his quest for freedom. As the nation watches with bated breath, the Supreme Court's decision will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the ongoing legal saga surrounding Kanu's detention and trial.
