…Justice Omotosho delivered the sentences after convicting Nnamdi Kanu on all seven terrorism-related charges.
Abuja, Nigeria — The iNews Times, The family of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has rejected the judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, insisting that the decision violates constitutional provisions and established legal precedents.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Emmanuel Kanu on behalf of the Okwu Kanu family, the family said it was speaking “with heavy hearts but absolute clarity” in response to the court’s ruling.
According to the family, their legal team raised several constitutional and judicial points, including the application of Section 36(12) of the Constitution, previous Supreme Court pronouncements on repealed laws, and earlier judicial directives tied to Nnamdi Kanu’s former charges.
They stressed that constitutional safeguards must not be compromised, reiterating the principle that “no person shall be convicted unless the offence is defined in a written law in force at the time.” The family noted that apex court decisions have consistently upheld this position.
Speaking on the legal reasoning behind the ruling, the Kanus said they were troubled by the court’s reliance on a transition or savings clause, arguing that such a clause does not apply in this case. They noted that Kanu’s previous case was not pending, as the Court of Appeal had discharged and acquitted him, effectively terminating all earlier charges.
“The proceedings before Justice Omotosho were a new case, commencing de novo,” the statement added, arguing that a terminated matter cannot be revived or ‘saved’ by any transition clause.
They further warned that fundamental rights under Section 36, including the right to be tried only under laws currently in force and the right to be informed of valid charges, cannot be overridden by transitional provisions or judicial interpretation.
“No transition clause can override Section 36. No statute can override the Constitution. No judge can override the Supreme Court,” the family declared.
The statement concluded with a call for strict adherence to constitutional principles and due process, insisting that all proceedings must align with existing laws and judicial precedents.
Earlier, The iNews Times reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment on counts one, two, four, five, and six, opting for life terms over the death penalty.
He also received a 20-year sentence on count three and five years on count seven, all without the option of a fine.
Justice Omotosho delivered the sentences after convicting Nnamdi Kanu on all seven terrorism-related charges.
