10 Damning Statements Nnamdi Kanu Made Against FG in Court

On a tension-filled Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), made headlines with his vehement reactions after his bail request was denied.

Kanu, who has been in custody on charges of treasonable felony, requested either bail, transfer to prison, or house arrest – a plea that was summarily rejected by Presiding Judge Binta Nyako.

As the courtroom drama unfolded, Nnamdi Kanu’s frustrations boiled over into a series of sharp, critical statements directed at the legal system and individuals involved in his trial.

Here are the ten most striking things he said:

Nnamdi Kanu Criticises FG

1. Accusation of Legal Violations: Nnamdi Kanu criticised the Federal Government for its disregard of the constitution and international treaties, highlighting what he described as a “forceful rendition” to Nigeria which, in his view, contravened these frameworks.

2. Demand for Judicial Review: Kanu expressed frustration over the judge’s failure to investigate the circumstances of his disappearance before proceeding with his trial, as previously indicated by the judge herself.

He said: “My lord, you said in your earlier ruling that you will not grant me bail until you make a determination about the reason for my disappearance.

But you have not done so. At this stage, I am of the opinion that you can’t try me without first looking into that.”

3. Claim of Constitutional Breaches: He vehemently argued that his trial should not proceed without first addressing these alleged breaches, stating, “The criminals came to my house to kill me! I don’t understand why my trial must be conducted contrary to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

4. Citation of Specific Laws: Kanu referenced Section 2(3)(f) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, to underscore his argument that the proceedings were unlawful under current Nigerian law.

5. Personal Attack on FG Counsel: In a heated exchange, Kanu called the prosecution counsel, Gboyega Awomolo, a “terrorist,” accusing him of overseeing a trial that violated international treaties.

Kanu fumed: “This man here is a terrorist as at today…You are a terrorist! Who the hell are you? Follow what the law says. I have been in detention for over three years. You are the Chairman of the Body of Benchers and you are violating the laws of this country.”

6. On International Treaties: He argued that any treaty signed by Nigeria must be upheld as law, suggesting that failing to do so equated to an act of terrorism.

“Once a treaty is entered into and signed, it becomes a law…No court can try me in Nigeria. Anything done in violation of any treaty entered into by Nigeria is an act of terrorism,” Nnamdi Kanu asserted.

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7. More Attack on Counsel: Kanu’s frustration boiled over as he, again, attacked Awomolo, calling him a “dishonest man” and questioning his integrity in the courtroom.

8. Reiteration of Detention: He reminded the court of the length of his detention, “I have been in detention for over three years,” using it to emphasise the perceived injustices of his situation.

9. Appeal to Legal Adherence: Throughout his statements, Kanu consistently called for the court and its officers to adhere strictly to the laws of Nigeria, highlighting various perceived legal failures in his case handling.

10. Emotional Appeal: His statements carried a strong emotional charge, reflecting his frustration and desperation under prolonged detention and contentious legal proceedings.

Next Steps

The judge ordered the DSS to let Nnamdi Kanu have access to his lawyers but limited the counsels to five people. She also instructed that IPOB leader should be granted access to a doctor of his choice and should be kept in a “clean place” for consultations.

As the court adjourned until June 19 and 20, the stage is set for more intense legal battles, with Kanu’s team likely gearing up for an appeal and potentially more fiery courtroom exchanges.