The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has lashed out at the Federal Government of Nigeria for what it describes as a “shameful and fraudulent” judicial process in the ongoing trial of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, accusing authorities of presenting a dead man’s statement as evidence in court.
In a press release issued on Friday and signed by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group described the most recent development in the case as the “lowest point yet” in what it called a “media circus disguised as a trial.”
According to IPOB, the Federal Government, through its lead counsel Awomolo (SAN), tendered as evidence a newspaper report quoting a man identified as “Onyearmy,” who allegedly confessed that Kanu ordered him to kill 2,000 people, of which he reportedly succeeded in killing 30. However, IPOB noted that the said Onyearmy never appeared in court, was never interviewed by investigators, and had died while in DSS custody.
“This is not justice. This is outright fraud upon the court,” IPOB stated. “The DSS operative who presented the newspaper article admitted under oath that he never met Onyearmy and had no personal knowledge of the alleged confession.”
The group further condemned the Nigerian government’s reliance on what it described as “graveyard evidence” and “fabricated confessions” by individuals who are no longer alive to be cross-examined.
Citing multiple legal provisions, including Sections 29 and 83(1) of the Evidence Act and Sections 36(6) and 36(8) of the Nigerian Constitution, IPOB claimed that the evidence is inadmissible and the continued trial is unconstitutional.
IPOB also restated its long-standing position that the Federal High Court in Abuja lacks jurisdiction to hear the case, referencing a 2022 Court of Appeal ruling that declared only a court in Awka, Anambra State, has legal standing over the alleged offences.
The group further described Kanu’s four-year detention since his controversial rendition from Kenya as excessive and unlawful, adding that the alleged customs-related offence being used to justify his detention is already statute-barred.
“The inspection of a radio transmitter by Justice Omotosho at DSS headquarters has no legal basis and is just another attempt to manipulate public perception,” the statement read.
IPOB concluded by calling for an immediate end to the trial, describing it as an international embarrassment and a dangerous subversion of justice.
“We remind the Nigerian government that injustice breeds chaos. No amount of manufactured evidence will suppress the truth. History will vindicate Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the group warned.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Kanu’s prolonged incarceration and legal battle, which continues to draw global attention and criticism.
More details to follow.
