Why Buhari Government Announced Secret Trial For IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu — HURIWA
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has criticized President Muhammadu Buhari’s plan to try Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in secret.
The Federal High Court issued new Practice Directions on Thursday on the trial of terrorism-related matters in the country.
Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, has issued a new practice directive for the trial of terrorism cases before the court, including the case of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The new practice instruction was issued by Justice Tsoho in the exercise of his constitutional powers under Section 254 of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999. (as amended).
This was declared by the Federal High Court on Thursday in a guide titled “Practice Directions On Trial of Terrorism Cases,” which was received by SaharaReporters.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice Tsoho, further stated that “the distance and size of perimeters to be protected for the trial should be assessed on a case-by-case basis based on the recommendation of security services.”
This will allow terrorism-related cases, such as those involving Kanu and Boko Haram suspects, to be tried in secret.
Media coverage will also be forbidden unless permission is granted by the Chief Judge of the court.
HURIWA, in a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, cautioned that the new development would likely worsen the security situation in the South East.
He went on to say that the Nigerian government took the action because the IPOB leader’s prosecution for alleged terrorism and related offenses lacked evidence.
The group said, “Secret trial for the leader of the now proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after he was abducted forcefully from Kenya by Nigeria’s secret services in collaboration with their Kenyan counterparts, after being subjected to horrendous ordeals and illegal rendition, which offends relevant international humanitarian laws, is unconstitutional, primitive, illegal and obnoxious.
“It is as if Nigeria is back to the days of military tribunal whereby citizens were simply chopped off the streets and made to face organised trial with a predetermined outcome.
“The decision on the Nnamdi Kanu’s case is totally unlawful and irregular. If the government believes it has a case against him, which is very doubtful, why is the government afraid of the light and has chosen to try him in the dark?
“This may escalate the security situation in the South-East because most people will see this as not being transparent, open and justifiably carried out.
“Whatever outcome from such a secret trial is ab initio null, void and of no moment.
“We in HURIWA reject this appalling demolition of judicial transparency by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. This will adversely damage constitutional democracy.”
