Table of Contents
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the appeal by terrorism convict Nnamdi Kanu of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stating that it was without merit and had become moot following his conviction for terrorism offenses by a Federal High Court on November 20.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, a three-member panel of the appellate court determined that Kanu’s assertion that his fundamental rights to human dignity, quality healthcare, and freedom of religion were being violated by his ongoing detention in the facility of the Department of State Services (DSS) was no longer valid due to his conviction, life imprisonment sentence, and remand in prison custody.
Justice Boloukuromo Moses Ugo, in the lead judgment, stated that the essence of the case had become moot because, since Kanu’s attorney (Maxwell Opara) confirmed at the beginning of the proceedings on Friday that his client was being held in Sokoto prison, the court could not order his transfer to Kuje prison, which he had requested to be moved to from DSS custody.
Justice Ugo further noted that, having previously expressed a preference for prison custody, the court could no longer grant his requests since he has been convicted and placed in the prison where he had wanted to be held.
The ruling was regarding Kanu’s appeal against the July 3 decision by Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja (now retired), which had previously dismissed his fundamental rights enforcement suit on the grounds that he failed to substantiate his claims.
Listed as respondents in the appeal were the Director General of the DSS, the DSS itself, and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of Nnamdi Kanu's appeal?
The Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed Nnamdi Kanu's appeal, stating it was without merit and moot following his conviction for terrorism offenses.
Why was Kanu's claim of fundamental rights violations deemed moot?
His claim was deemed moot because he was already convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, which rendered his assertions regarding his detention conditions no longer applicable.
What did the court say about Kanu's request for prison relocation?
The court stated that it could not grant Kanu's request for relocation to Kuje prison since he confirmed being held in Sokoto prison and had previously shown a preference for prison custody.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
