Group alleges trial court lacked jurisdiction as FG’s latest legal move sparks debate over criminal justice procedures

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has raised fresh objections to the conviction of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, following a cross-appeal filed by the Federal Government in Abuja on Sunday. The group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, stated that the government’s legal strategy has cast doubt on the validity of the original judgment delivered by the trial court.

According to IPOB, the Federal Government’s cross-appeal effectively admits that the trial court did not have proper jurisdiction over some parts of Kanu’s sentencing. The group argued that this admission undermines not only Kanu’s conviction but also raises broader questions about due process within Nigeria’s criminal justice system. “Jurisdiction is not divisible. Jurisdiction is a continuum,” IPOB said in a written statement, insisting that any ruling delivered without full jurisdiction cannot stand legally.

The legal dispute stems from ongoing appeals surrounding Kanu’s case, which has drawn national and international attention since his arrest and prosecution on charges relating to separatist activities. IPOB maintained that if a court is found lacking jurisdiction at any stage—including sentencing—the conviction becomes invalid because both aspects are intertwined under Nigerian law.

In addition to questioning jurisdiction, IPOB accused the authorities of procedural breaches during Kanu’s trial. These include alleged reliance on repealed laws, denial of fair hearing, non-disclosure of applicable statutes and withholding evidence. The group insists that these alleged irregularities render the conviction unsustainable and called on Nigeria’s Court of Appeal to address these points when reviewing the case.

The statement further warned that the outcome could set critical precedents for future criminal prosecutions across Nigeria, especially in cases where jurisdiction or fair hearing is in dispute. IPOB urged legal practitioners, diplomats and human rights organisations to closely monitor developments as they unfold.

Source: https://punchng.com/nnamdi-kanu-ipob-queries-conviction-after-fg-cross-appeal/