The National Judicial Council (NJC) has formally denied a recent order to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), amidst ongoing legal battles surrounding his detention. The decision follows a series of high-profile court hearings and significant public interest in the matter.
In its latest ruling, the NJC also authorized the Nigerian government to proceed with efforts to return Nnamdi Kanu to Kenya, the country from which he was extradited. Kanu, who has been at the center of controversy for his role in advocating for the secession of Biafra, has faced multiple charges relating to his leadership of IPOB, including terrorism and incitement.
The ruling comes after a request by Kanu's legal team for his immediate release based on alleged breaches of his fundamental rights. However, the NJC’s decision highlights its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that judicial proceedings take their due course. According to legal experts, the NJC emphasized that Kanu’s continued detention is a matter of national security, and the authorities must handle it in accordance with Nigeria's legal framework.
The federal government, through the Ministry of Justice, welcomed the ruling, asserting that Kanu’s extradition to Kenya was lawful and within the boundaries of international law. The government also affirmed that the move to return him to Kenya will comply with all established international treaties.
Nnamdi Kanu, who was apprehended in 2021 after fleeing Nigeria for years, remains a polarizing figure. His supporters view him as a political prisoner, while the government considers him a threat to national unity and security. The decision by the NJC is expected to fuel further debate on the balance between national security and the protection of individual rights.