"Nnamdi Kanu Speaks from Prison: 'I Was Denied Final Written Address'"

Table of Contents

• Conviction of Nnamdi Kanu
• Kanu's Reaction
• Details from the Statement
• Commendation to Supporters

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has criticized his conviction on terrorism charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja, overseen by Justice James Omotosho.

Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment and is currently serving his term at Sokoto Prison.

Kanu’s response to his conviction was shared by his younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, following a visit to the IPOB leader in Sokoto. Prince Emmanuel was accompanied by a lawyer, Maxwell Opara.

A statement released to DAILY POST on Sunday by Prince Emmanuel quoted Kanu as saying he was not given the chance to present his final written address.

Kanu maintained that his conviction lacks a legal foundation.

The statement read, “I, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, along with Dr. Maxwell Opara, have met with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, at the Sokoto medium security prison. He has directed me to inform the public that his conviction is without legal basis, as no one can be convicted under a repealed law.

“He was also denied his final written address, which focused on fair hearing, stressing that the evidence used by the court was not included in the charge sheet or presented as evidence against him. Furthermore, the court's reliance on charges that were struck out by Justice Binta Nyako was a major concern.

“Upon reviewing the judgment, he found numerous errors that compromised the integrity of his trial. He urged well-meaning Nigerian justices, magistrates, and lawyers to thoroughly examine the judgment and uphold the laws of the land and the Nigerian Constitution. He questioned the inconsistency between the favorable rulings from the Umuahia High Court, Enugu, Appeal Court, United Nations, and Supreme Court, which stated that the laws under which he was charged are repealed and need to be amended, yet these were overlooked.”

The statement further noted that Kanu expressed gratitude to those who recognized the injustice and stood against it.

“I am Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and I will reject injustice, unfairness, and evil against anyone, regardless of their tribe, faith, or ethnic background. Injustice to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is injustice everywhere. I remain grateful for all your support, prayers, and kind thoughts. Elohim bless you all,” Kanu added, as stated.