In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a N50 billion lawsuit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government. The suit, which challenged Kanu’s repatriation from Kenya, was dismissed due to lack of diligent prosecution. Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the ruling, citing that the case had suffered three adjournments without representation from Kanu’s legal team, despite the Federal Government’s counsel being present on the last adjourned date.
Kanu had filed the suit in April 2022, alleging that his abduction in Kenya and subsequent rendition to Nigeria violated international and domestic laws, including Article 12(4) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Section 15 of the Extradition Act. He sought several reliefs, including his release from custody, a halt to his ongoing trial, and compensation for the alleged rights violations.
The Federal Government had argued that the lawsuit was an abuse of court process, as Kanu had filed a similar suit at the Federal High Court in Umuahia with identical facts and parties involved. The dismissal of the case highlights the importance of diligent prosecution in legal proceedings and underscores the challenges faced by litigants in ensuring their cases are properly represented in court.
This development comes as Kanu continues to face legal challenges related to his activities as the leader of IPOB, a group proscribed by the Nigerian government. The outcome of this case may have implications for future legal actions related to his detention and trial.
