Kanu family demands sanctions against judges, accuses them of disregarding court orders

The family of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has launched a scathing attack on the Nigerian judiciary, demanding sanctions against the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and Justice Binta Nyako, for what they describe as “blatant disobedience to court orders and undermining the rule of law.”

In a statement signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the family accused both judges of disregarding valid rulings from Nigerian and international courts that have mandated Kanu’s release. They expressed their dismay at the necessity of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun’s intervention to compel Justice Nyako to comply with her own recusal order.

The family also alleged that Justice Tsoho attempted to overturn a valid court ruling through a “dubious memo,” while Justice Nyako refused to honor her own decision.

The Kanu family further asserted that the Nigerian government is attempting to criminalize self-determination, a right they claim is legally protected. They linked Kanu’s trial to historical injustices suffered by the Igbo people, including the 1966 pogrom and the Biafran War.

Read also: Fubara Extends Olive Branch: Invites Amaewhule-led Rivers Assembly for crucial meeting

They also condemned the government’s reliance on an “illegal ex-parte proscription order” to label IPOB as a terrorist organization, despite a separate court ruling that declared IPOB is not unlawful.

The family warned that selective adherence to court orders would further erode the credibility of the Nigerian judiciary, calling for an impartial trial for Kanu. They urged the public to stand against judicial impunity and ensure the judiciary remains independent and just.

The statement reads: “The blatant disobedience to valid court orders by Justice Tsoho and Justice Nyako has brought the judiciary into disrepute. In any country that values the rule of law, both the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the presiding judge who issued the recusal order should be held accountable. “A judge refusing to obey a court order, and a chief judge attempting to overturn a valid ruling, raise serious concerns about judicial integrity.

At the heart of this case is the attempt by the Nigerian state to criminalise self-determination, a legally guaranteed right. The persecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu reflects historical injustices faced by the Igbo people, including the events of 1966.

“A court in Abuja ruled that IPOB is not an unlawful group, yet the government declared it a terrorist organisation without due process as required by the Nigerian Constitution. Selective adherence to court orders must be addressed.

“This matter is far from over, and by the end of this trial, the handling of the case by the Nigerian judiciary will be exposed for all to see. No society under common law can use the outcome of a civil suit to confer criminal liability on an accused person. The proscription of IPOB, which underpins the charges, was made without a fair hearing.”

The family vowed to continue their fight for justice, maintaining that the outcome of Kanu’s trial would have lasting implications for Nigeria’s legal system and international standing.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now