An Abuja Federal High Court today dismissed a N50 billion fundamental rights lawsuit filed by detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu against the Federal Government over his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in 2021. Justice Inyang Ekwo struck out the case due to lack of prosecution after Kanu’s legal team failed to appear in court for three consecutive hearings.
The ruling comes as Kanu released a scathing open letter alleging “serial executive and judicial fraud” in his prolonged detention. The separatist leader cited multiple court judgments he claims should have secured his freedom, including:
- A 2017 Federal High Court ruling that IPOB is not unlawful
- An October 2022 judgment declaring his rendition unconstitutional
- A Court of Appeal verdict condemning his “executive lawlessness”
“Instead of obeying these judgments, the government conspired with compromised judicial officers to keep me indefinitely detained,” Kanu stated in his letter, accusing the courts of violating constitutional provisions regarding bail and jurisdiction.
Justice Ekwo’s dismissal marks another legal setback for Kanu, who faces terrorism charges before Justice Binta Nyako’s court. The Federal Government had argued the rights suit duplicated an earlier case filed in Umuahia.
Kanu’s legal team has yet to comment on today’s development, but prison authorities confirm he remains in DSS custody despite multiple court orders for his release. The case has drawn international attention, with human rights groups condemning Nigeria’s handling of the proceedings.
Legal analysts suggest today’s dismissal could complicate Kanu’s pending appeals before higher courts regarding the validity of his trial. The Federal Government maintains all legal procedures have been properly followed in the high-profile case.
