Nnamdi Kanu Discharged Not Acquitted, FG Will Explore Appropriate Legal Options – Malami

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has reacted to ruling of the Appeal Court in favour of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Malami Says Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Case Is Not Over

KanyiDaily recalls that the Court of Appeal had freed Kanu of terrorism and other charges instituted against him by the Nigerian government.

A three-judge panel of the appellate court ruled that Kanu was illegally extracted from Kenya by Nigerian agents in a process known internationally as extraordinary rendition but which rights experts define as an abduction.

The judges said the government could not charge Kanu for any offence in Nigeria until federal authorities are able to explain how they moved him from Nairobi to Abuja in June 2022.

The judges described the government’s action as not only illegal but reckless and dangerous to national security, adding that the extradition process exists for the clear purpose of preserving human rights and maintaining international peace.

Reacting in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Umar Jibril Gwandu, Malami said the appeal court only discharged Kanu and did not acquit him.

Malami said the appellate court only decided a single issue that borders on rendition, noting that Kanu has other pre-rendition cases to answer.

He insisted that issues that predated Kanu’s rendition from Kenya, are yet to be determined by the court, stressing that the government would exploit the appropriate legal options and also communicate same to the public.

The statement reads, “The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has received the news of the decision of the Court of Appeal concerning the trial of Nnamdi Kanu.

“For the avoidance of doubt and by the verdict of the Court, Kanu was only discharged and not acquitted.

“Consequently, the appropriate legal options before the authorities will be exploited and communicated accordingly to the public.

“The decision handed down by the court of appeal was on a single issues that borders on rendition.

“Let it be made clear to the general public that other issues that predates rendition on the basis of which Kanu jumped bail remain valid issues for judicial determination.

“The Federal Government will consider all available options open to us on the judgment on rendition while pursuing determination of pre-rendition issues.”

KanyiDaily recalls that Abubakar Malami had revealed what President Muhammadu Buhari will consider before he grants the request for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.