Biafra: Nnamdi Kanu sue Nigerian government for declaring IPOB as terrorist group

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has challenged the court ruling that declared the group a terrorist unit.

Naija News learnt that the suit was filed on Thursday by Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Kanu’s lawyer.

Ejiofor said it was illegal for the Federal High Court, Abuja, to issue an order against the IPOB as it is a non-violent organisation.

Ejiofor argued that his client’s right to fair hearing was breached and that the court in Abuja lacks the jurisdiction to issue such an order.

It was the Defence Headquarters that first declared the IPOB a “militant terrorist organization” in contravention of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2013 (as amended), alleging that the group had set up a parallel Secret Service and was in possession of weapons.

However, following public outcry, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation hurriedly kick-started a formal process, which was signed by approved by President Muhammadu Buhari before he left for the United States on Sunday.

On Monday evening, the court issued an order declaring IPOB a terrorist group and rendering anyone who participates in the group’s activities liable to a jail term of 20 years.

Meanwhile, Kanu’s still remain missing a week after soldiers besieged his hometown, Afaraukwu, in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.