Nnamdi Kanu Rejects Trial Under ‘Unconstitutional’ Court, Insists on Fair Hearing
Abuja, Nigeria – February 17, 2025
Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has declared his outright refusal to stand trial before any court he considers unconstitutional. In a strongly worded statement from detention, Kanu reiterated his demand for an impartial and legally recognized judicial process, even if it means spending the rest of his life behind bars.
"If it will take the rest of my life in detention to produce me before a proper and impartial court, so be it," Kanu stated. "But let me say this for the world to know: I will not succumb to any trial conducted by any judge or court whose jurisdiction does not pass constitutional muster. Not now, not ever."
Legal Battle and Detention
Kanu has been in custody since June 2021 after being arrested and extradited from Kenya under controversial circumstances. He faces multiple charges, including treasonable felony, over his campaign for an independent Biafra. Despite court rulings ordering his release, the Nigerian government has refused to set him free, sparking allegations of human rights violations.
His legal team has repeatedly argued that his detention and trial are politically motivated, lacking a constitutional basis. Kanu’s latest statement further reinforces his stance that any judicial process against him must adhere to Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.
Growing International Concern
Kanu's prolonged detention has drawn widespread criticism from human rights organizations, international observers, and even the United Nations. His legal team has also called on the British government—given his status as a British citizen—to intervene, but their response has been largely muted.
Observers note that Kanu’s defiant stance could intensify tensions between IPOB supporters and the Nigerian authorities, potentially escalating protests and calls for self-determination in the South-East region.
As the legal and political drama unfolds, Kanu remains firm in his position, maintaining that he will only submit to a trial he deems constitutionally valid. Whether the Nigerian government will heed his demands or continue with the proceedings remains to be seen.
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