Biafra: Read How Nnamdi Kanu's Case Fared at the ECOWAS Court Today

The case of Biafra agitator and separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu was heard today at the Economic Community of West African States' court as his attorneys push for his release.

 

The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has adjourned Nnamdi Kanu’s alleged fundamental human rights breach case against the Federal Government till November 8.

 

It would be recalled that it was the ECOWAS court that ordered the Nigerian Government to immediately release the beleaguered former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki with a financial compensation of N15 million over his long detention.

The presiding judge, Micah Wright, adjourned the case on Wednesday for definite hearing following an application by the defendant. Mr. Wright, however, declined the request for cost by the applicant.

The Federal Government, who was absent, had written to the court to adjourn the case because it had conflicting case in another court.

But, Counsel to the plaintiff, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, opposed the application for adjournment and requested for a cost of one million naira.

Mr. Kanu, a Director of Radio Biafra and leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, sued the Federal Government for alleged illegal detention.

Joined in the suit were the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS).

Mr. Kanu, in the suit, is asking for a compensation of $800 million for alleged violation of his human rights and an order directing his unconditional release and that of his personal belongings.

He also urged the court to direct the defendants to respect, protect and promote his rights to life, liberty, freedom of movement, assembly and expression.

The plaintiff prayed the court to declare that his arrest and detention since October 14, 2015 by the defendant was in flagrant disobedience to several orders of courts of competent jurisdiction.

He also prayed the court to declare that his continued detention was a violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Charter of 1970.