November 20, (THEWILL) — The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, dismissed claims by detained proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, that his alleged extraordinary rendition from Kenya in 2021 invalidated the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
Delivering judgement, Trial Judge, Justice James Omotosho, held that the manner in which Kanu was returned to Nigeria could not halt or void the proceedings, stressing that extradition procedures apply only among sovereign states that are parties to a binding treaty.
According to the court, while Kanu alleged he was unlawfully abducted and brought back to Nigeria, the argument does not, in law, strip the court of jurisdiction to try him. Justice Omotosho noted that Nigeria and Kenya have established protocols for extradition, and any challenge to those processes must be addressed at the diplomatic or state-to-state level, not as a bar to criminal prosecution.
The judge also emphasised that Kanu was given multiple opportunities to defend himself in court but declined to do so, despite several adjournments granted at his request.
“The court cannot compel a defendant to defend himself” he ruled, adding that the defendant’s refusal to take advantage of the legal avenues available to him could not be used to fault the proceedings.
The decision marks a major development in the long-running trial, which has seen heightened security around the court and strong reactions from supporters of the IPOB leader. The Federal Government maintains that the charges against Kanu involve serious terrorism-related allegations, which he has repeatedly denied.
Kanu is expected to challenge the ruling at the appellate court as the case proceeds.
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