NATION

FG wants Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal dismissed, A’Court reserves judgement

The Federal Government has asked the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja to dismiss the suit filed by counsels to secessionist leader Nnamdi Kanu.

This is as Kanu’s lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) argues the charges preferred against Kanu lacks credibility.

TheCornet reports that a lower court had previously struck out eight out of the 15 charges against the secessionist leader. On account of this, Ozekhome prayed the court to dismiss the remaining charges.

Ozekhome alleged the government forcefully abducted Kanu from Kenya to face charges back home. He added that Kenya ought to have authorized Kanu’s extradition to Nigeria.

He told the court that Kanu was first arraigned on December 23, 2015 and he was granted bail April 25, 2017.

“My lords, he was enjoying this bail without breaching the terms. However, he was in his ancestral home when agents of the respondent invaded his home in September 2017.

“When the Appellant travelled from London to Kenya, agents of the respondents, on June 27, 2021, forcefully abducted the appellant, tortured and renditioned him back to the country without following any extradition process,” Ozekhome said.

Justice Jummai Hanatu, leading two other justices, declined to entertain the bail request and instead enjoin parties to argue the appeal.

Mr. David Kaswe, the counsel to the government, opposed the argument. He urged the court to dismiss the appeal for want of merit.

“My lords, it took four years and huge resources to get the respondent arrested and brought back to face the charges against him.

“We are saying that the trial court was even wrong to have struck out the eight charges as it did.

“It is only after the FG has produced all its witnesses and tendered its evidence that the Appellant could claim that no prima-facie case was established.

“Finally, we urge this court to dismiss the appeal for lacking in merit,” Kaswe added.

After listening to both sides, the panel reserved its judgment,promising to inform parties on when it will give a ruling.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button