The Kanu trial jurisdiction debate resurfaced on Thursday as IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the court has no legal authority to try him, stressing that one of the charges count 7 does not exist, rendering the entire case fundamentally defective.
Speaking during proceedings, Kanu argued that the prosecution cannot continue the trial based on an invalid charge and reiterated that the alleged offences brought against him are not recognized under Nigerian law.
Kanu Files Multiple Motions Contesting Trial Process
As part of the Kanu trial jurisdiction challenge, Kanu told the court he had filed multiple motions ahead of the sitting.
These include:
- A motion dated November 11, asking the court to order the prosecution to submit its final written address.
- A motion dated November 12, requesting the referral of constitutional issues surrounding the trial to the Court of Appeal.
- A motion dated November 17, seeking his release on bail.
Kanu stated he personally filed and served all motions on the prosecution and had already entered his defence, though he had not yet called any witnesses.
Kanu Demands Bail Under ACJA
Central to the Kanu trial jurisdiction argument is his application for bail brought under Section 158 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
He urged the court to grant bail on what he called reasonable and just terms, insisting that his continued detention is unjustified, especially when one of the charges against him “does not exist” under Nigerian law.
Kanu further maintained that he never violated his previous bail terms and therefore should not be held indefinitely.
Why Kanu Says the Court Cannot Try Him
According to Kanu, the lack of jurisdiction stems from:
- A defective charge (count 7)
- Constitutional issues that should be addressed by a higher court
- The absence of a valid legal basis for several allegations
He emphasized that proceeding with the case without first resolving the Kanu trial jurisdiction questions would amount to a miscarriage of justice.
In closing, the Kanu trial jurisdiction dispute has added a new layer of complexity to his long-running legal battle. With multiple motions before the court and challenges to the validity of the charges, the next ruling will determine whether the case continues or is halted until jurisdictional questions are settled.
