The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed two separate lawsuits against the Nigerian government, challenging alleged violations of his constitutional rights.
His legal team argues that his prolonged detention and trial delay breach his right to a fair hearing and speedy trial.
Legal Battle for Freedom
Kanu, through his legal team led by his Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, is demanding his unconditional release. The first lawsuit, filed under Suit Number CV/875/25, seeks to end his detention and trial under Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015.
His lawyers argue that his trial violates Section 36(1) & (4) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees fair and timely trials.
He is also demanding a formal apology from the Nigerian government for violating his fundamental rights. He wants this apology published in three widely circulated national newspapers.
Additionally, he seeks ₦100 billion in compensation for the physical, mental, and emotional trauma he has suffered due to his prolonged detention and legal battles.
Push for Due Legal Process
In a second lawsuit, numbered M/3224/2025, Kanu is asking the court for a writ of mandamus to compel the authorities to follow due legal process in his trial. His legal team insists that his case should have been filed in the South-East region, where the alleged offenses occurred, rather than in Abuja.
Kanu’s legal action follows the recusal of Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako on September 24, 2024. Examples of the key issues his lawyers raised are:
- Failure to assign the case to another judge after the recusal.
- Reversing the recusal and returning the case to the same judge.
- Refusal to consider transferring the case to the South-East.
- Delays in trial proceedings, keeping him in detention for nearly four years.
Barrister Ejimakor said his client will not remain silent while his rights continue to be violated.
“In the first suit, Number CV/875/25, filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, we are requesting the enforcement of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s constitutional right to a fair hearing and a trial within a reasonable time. Alternatively, we demand his unconditional release.”
“In the second suit, Number M/3224/2025, also filed in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, we are seeking a mandamus to compel the authorities to follow due process, including transferring the case to the South-East, where it should have been instituted from the beginning.”
“These lawsuits were necessary due to the unconstitutional and unlawful actions that have marked the handling of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case since the recusal of Honorable Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako on September 24, 2024.”
Ejimakor continued: “The authorities’ actions amount to a grave miscarriage of justice, including the injustice of keeping him in detention for almost four years without any prospect of a fair trial.”
“As a human being with inalienable rights, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu cannot fold his hands while these injustices persist.”
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