The Nigerian government has been served with the Appeal Court judgement freeing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), his lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor said on Monday.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Thursday, struck out the terrorism charges filed against Mr Kanu by the government and ordered his release from the custody of the State Security Service (SSS).
It held that the IPOB leader was “extra-ordinarily renditioned” to Nigeria and that the action was a flagrant violation of the country’s extradition treaty and also a breach of Mr Kanu’s fundamental human rights.
But the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in a statement, late Thursday, by his spokesperson, Umar Gwandu, argued the Court of Appeal only discharged Mr Kanu and did not acquit him.
He indicated that the government would not release Mr Kanu despite the court ruling.
“Let it be made clear to the general public that other issues that predate rendition on the basis of which Kanu jumped bail remain valid issues for judicial determination.
“The Federal Government will consider all available options open to us on judgment on rendition while pursuing determination of pre-rendition issues,” Mr Malami had said.
Serving of court judgement
Mr Ejiofor, in a video clip posted on his verified Facebook page, said the legal team of the IPOB leader has served the court judgment to the government.
He said a copy of the court judgement was specifically served on Mr Malami and the SSS Director-General, Yusuf Bichi, on Monday when the lawyers visited Mr Kanu at the SSS facility.
