The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has constituted a legal team aimed at following the trial process of Nnamdi Kanu, the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The New Diplomat had reported that Kanu who had jumped bail and fled the country in 2017 was re-arrested and brought back to the country recently.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami who addressed a press conference at the Ministry of Justice, Abuja, disclosed that Kanu was arrested through the joint efforts of the Nigerian intelligence community and Interpol.
The separatist leader has resumed his trial at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court. He is being tried on charge bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony and managing an unlawful society among others.
However, Ohanaeze in its reaction stated that Kanu’s trial should be done within the ambit of the laws of the country and in line with global best practices, noting it’s not against trial of the IPOB leader by FG.
The apex Igbo group stated this in a communique issued at the end of its National Executive Committee meeting held over the weekend at its National Secretariat in Enugu, and signed by its spokesman, Chief Alex Ogbonnia.
The communique reads, “That Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has observed with keen interest the recent re-arraignment and consequent trial of our son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“That, in as much as Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not averse to his trial, we however submit that he should be tried within the ambit of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in line with global best practices.”
Ohanaeze, in the communique also supported the resolutions of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF), in their recent meeting which held in Ikeja, Lagos State.
It added, “Ohanaeze strongly support the stand taken by the Southern Governors Forum on anti-open grazing, restructuring, rotation of the President of Nigeria to the South in 2023, and the proposed 5% share of the Petroleum Industries Bill (PIB) for the host communities.
“That we identify with the Igbo youths in their grievances with respect to Igbo marginalisation, the menace of the Fulani herdsmen, etc, however, we do not support the use of any form of violence to redress the relative deprivation and prevailing inequality and injustice across the country.”
