Nnamdi Kanu: Senior Lawyer Gives Insight on Supreme Court’s Verdict
- The Supreme Court's judgement over Nnamdi Kanu's case has been considered the correct decision
- Wahab Shittu, a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said the apex court's verdict was straightforward and consistent with the law
- During an interview on a live TV program, Shittu said the Supreme Court's assertion of flaws in bringing Kanu back to Nigeria was accurate
Legit.ng journalist Segun Adeyemi has over 9 years of experience covering political events, civil societies, courts, and metro.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Wahab Shittu has agreed with the Supreme Court's decision on Nnamdi Kanu, stating that it aligns with legal principles.
The Supreme Court, on Friday, ruled that Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), should stand trial despite the earlier dismissal of charges by the Court of Appeal.
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Shittu, during a live appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today, affirmed that the Supreme Court's assertion of flaws in bringing Kanu back to Nigeria was accurate.
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He said:
“Supreme Court has today said, ‘Go back and face your seven-count trial charge in respect of the seven-count charge’. What the Supreme Court has done is consistent with the law.”
Shittu lauds Supreme Court
The experienced attorney praised the Supreme Court for thoroughly reviewing all documented issues and delivering well-informed statements.
He specifically underscored the court's scrutiny of the matter involving unauthorised deportation, condemning it as inappropriate and emphasising the significance of maintaining the nation's domestic and global reputation.
Additionally, Shittu highlighted the Supreme Court's position on cancelling bail, asserting that the trial court lacked the authority to revoke bail when Kanu sought refuge due to a security agency incursion into his residence.
He said:
“They examined the question of illegal deportation and pronounced that that is clearly offensive and that henceforth our countries should be conscious of its image locally and internationally.
“When security agencies invade the premises of a suspect who is on bail, the trial court was not entitled to revoke the bail after the man fled for his life. On all issues, the Supreme Court has done justice to the matter.”
Oladotun questions Supreme Court's ruling in Kanu's deportation from Kenya
Similarly, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) secretary, Epe Branch, Barrister Oladotun Hassan, coincided with Shittu's assertions.
In a chat with Legit.ng Oladotun stated that the Apex court's verdict was consistent with the statutory provisions of the law.
He faulted the way and manner in which the IPOB leader was deported from Kenya, stating that it was a bypass on the part of the federal government.
Oladotun faulted the apex court for shifting jurisdiction to a formal civil suit; instead, it should have delivered judgment against the federal government.
He said:
"My own position is that the Supreme Court is just expected not to shift the jurisdiction back to a formal civil suit.
"We expect that the Supreme Court, having assumed jurisdiction, should deliver judgment explicitly against the government for the extraordinary rendition of Nnamdi Kanu in view of damages to be paid by the government.
"That should have been properly solved and buried, while the case of criminal litigation at the other end, in view of the seven-count charges, should go unimpeded."
Kanu absent from court
While delivering the judgement, Justice Emmanuel Agim highlighted that the Court of Appeal erred in its decision, stating that Kanu could not face retrial due to the perceived unlawfulness of his arrest and the government's invasion of his residence.
Although Kanu was not present in court for the verdict, the Supreme Court emphasised that, despite the government's reckless and unlawful actions, they do not negate the court's authority to continue with the trial on charges of treasonable felony and terrorism against the banned IPOB leader.
Kanu has been in custody since June 2021.
Why Nnamdi Kanu will regain freedom despite Supreme Court verdict, Senator Abaribe
In another report, southeasterners have been urged to keep hope alive and believe that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will return home soon.
This message was passed on by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe shortly after the Supreme Court's verdict to continue Kanu's trial.
The lawmaker stated that he was confident that President Bola Tinubu's administration would fast-track Kanu's release as soon as possible.
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Source: Legit.ng
