By Our Reporter
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has spoken publicly for the first time since his transfer to the Sokoto Medium Security Prison, insisting that his recent conviction has no legal basis.
Kanu made the remarks during a visit by his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and his lawyer, Dr. Maxwell Opara, who confirmed on Saturday that they met with him at the facility.
According to them, Kanu maintained that no individual can be lawfully convicted under a law that has been repealed, stressing that his final written address—which centred on fair hearing—was not considered by the court. He further alleged that the evidence relied upon in delivering the judgment was neither listed in the charge sheet nor presented during trial.
Kanu also faulted the judge’s reliance on charges that had previously been struck out by Justice Binta Nyako, describing it as “a major judicial flaw.” After reviewing the judgment, he claimed to have identified several substantive errors that, in his view, invalidate the trial.
He called on Nigerian judges, magistrates, and legal practitioners to scrutinise the ruling and uphold constitutional principles. Kanu equally questioned why favourable rulings from the Umuahia High Court, Enugu Court of Appeal, the United Nations, and even interpretations of the Supreme Court—which he said affirmed that the laws used against him were repealed—were disregarded.
He expressed gratitude to individuals and groups who have publicly condemned what they believe to be an injustice, insisting that his stance is rooted in principle rather than ethnic sentiment.
“I, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, reject injustice and evil against anyone, no matter their tribe, faith, or ethnic background. Injustice to me is injustice everywhere,” he said.
Kanu concluded his message by thanking his supporters for their prayers and solidarity, adding, “Elohim bless you all.”