Court Dismisses Nnamdi Kanu’s Appeal On Unlawful Arrest, Detention

The Court of Appeal yesterday dismissed the appeal filed by Felix Okonkwo, one of the lawyers to the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, over his arrest and detention by the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), TheNATION reports.

Justice Okon Abang dismissed the appeal for want of merit.

Delivering judgment, Justice Abang held that the appellant failed to establish miscarriage of justice in the judgment of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja in the matter.

The appellants, comprising Felix Okonkwo, Ikenna Chibuike, and Okafor Ugochukwu, had dragged the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS before the high court for the enforcement of their client’s fundamental human rights.

The appellants accused the two security agencies of violating their fundamental rights by their unlawful arrest and detention on September 27, 2021, during which they claimed that they were tortured, harassed, and intimidated in police custody.

Also, a Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday fixed April 18 for hearing a N1 billion suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu against the Federal Government and the DSS.

Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter after Kanu’s counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, indicated his interest to respond to a counter-affidavit jointly filed by the DSS and its Director General.

Upon resumed hearing, Gbenga Oladimeji, who appeared for Federal Government, informed the court that they were yet to file their response on behalf of first and second defendants because he was only being notified about the process yesterday though they had been served since March 6.

Oladimeji prayed for an adjournment to enable him respond appropriately.

But the DSS lawyer, Abdul Danlami, said they had filed their counter-affidavit in opposition to Kanu’s plea.