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IPOB Alleges Legal Irregularities in Kanu’s Detention, Responds to Onoh
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rejected claims that it is blocking the release of leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, citing legal irregularities, procedural defects, and reliance on a repealed law. IPOB urges authorities and the public to respect constitutional safeguards and due process.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rebutted claims by Denge Josef Onoh, former Southeast campaign spokesman for the APC presidential campaign, rejecting his assertion that the group is obstructing the release of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement signed by spokesperson Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB argued that Kanu’s continued detention stems from legal irregularities and procedural defects, calling for strict adherence to constitutional safeguards.
Powerful emphasized that Kanu had previously been discharged and acquitted on the charges against him, warning that retrying him on the same offences would violate the constitutional protection against double jeopardy. He urged citizens and authorities to respect constitutional processes.
The group also alleged that the prosecution is relying on a repealed statute, noting that the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 has been superseded by subsequent legislation. IPOB described any prosecution under the repealed law as constitutionally questionable.
On the issue of fair hearing, IPOB accused authorities of misusing civil ex parte orders in ways that cannot properly establish criminal liability, raising concerns under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial.
Regarding jurisdiction, IPOB claimed that the law requires certain cross-border procedural steps, including securing leave from a court in the country of alleged rendition, and stated that it was unaware of any such leave being obtained. The group presented this as a legal objection that, in its view, undermines the validity of further proceedings.
IPOB reiterated that it will continue to challenge Kanu’s detention through legal channels and urged authorities and the public to ensure that all actions comply with constitutional and statutory requirements, framing its position as a call for due process and the rule of law.
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