Absence of Judge Stalls Nnamdi Kanu’s ₦50bn Suit Against FG

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, November 25, 2024, postponed hearing in a ₦50 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government of Nigeria. The case was delayed due to the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo.

The ₦50 billion suit is part of Kanu’s efforts to seek redress over alleged infringements on his fundamental rights. In the suit, Kanu challenges his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) despite multiple court orders granting his release. He also accuses the Nigerian government of illegal rendition from Kenya in 2021, which he claims violated international law and his personal freedoms.

Kanu’s legal team, led by Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), expressed disappointment over the delay, emphasizing the urgency of their client’s case. Ozekhome highlighted the health challenges faced by Kanu in detention and argued that his continued incarceration contradicts previous judicial pronouncements.

Justice Ekwo, who was scheduled to hear the case, was reportedly absent due to official engagements outside Abuja. The court adjourned proceedings to a yet-to-be-announced date. This development has sparked reactions among Kanu’s supporters, many of whom see the delay as a calculated tactic to frustrate the case.

The Federal Government, represented by its legal team, has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that Kanu’s detention is lawful and necessary for national security. In response to the suit, the government has also raised preliminary objections, questioning the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.

The ₦50 billion suit remains a significant aspect of Kanu’s ongoing legal battle against the Nigerian government. As the leader of IPOB, Kanu has faced numerous legal challenges since the group was proscribed in 2017. IPOB’s agitation for the secession of southeastern Nigeria has been a contentious issue, drawing local and international attention.

The adjournment marks yet another delay in Kanu’s quest for legal redress. His supporters continue to call for his release, while the government insists on the legality of his detention. With the next hearing date yet to be fixed, the case remains a focal point of legal and political discussions in Nigeria.