Federal High Court Admits N1 Billion Damages Judgment Against Nigerian Government in Nnamdi Kanu Case
Key Evidence Accepted in Ongoing IPOB Leader’s Trial
The Federal High Court in Abuja has made a significant development in the case involving Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by admitting three crucial judgments as evidence.
Landmark Abia State Judgment
Among the admitted evidence is the N1 billion damages award issued by Justice Benson Anya of the Abia State High Court against the Nigerian government. This judgment stems from the controversial 2017 military invasion of Kanu’s residence.
Justice Anya’s ruling, delivered in a fundamental rights suit filed by Kanu, declared the September 2017 military operation illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional. The court found that the invasion violated Kanu’s fundamental rights to:
- Life
- Dignity of person
- Liberty
- Fair hearing
These rights are protected under both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
Additional Admitted Judgments
The court also accepted certified true copies of two other judgments:
- Case FHC/UM/CS/30/2022 (Nnamdi Kanu vs FRN) – delivered October 26, 2022
- Case E/20/2023 (Kanu vs FRN) – date unspecified
Court Proceedings
Justice James Omotosho formally admitted the three judgments on Wednesday, marking them as exhibits PWL, PWM, and PWN respectively. The evidence was presented during cross-examination of prosecution witness Mr. BBB by defense counsel Mr. Paul Erokoro (SAN).
Background Context
Nnamdi Kanu has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja since his controversial extradition from Kenya on June 27, 2021. The IPOB leader was arrested through a joint operation by Kenyan and Nigerian security forces.
This case continues to draw significant attention as it touches on fundamental human rights issues and the Nigerian government’s handling of separatist movements.
Credit: Persecond News