The Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Global Defence Consortium has formally cautioned the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), National Judicial Council (NJC), and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over their continued silence in the face of grave judicial infractions in the ongoing persecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
At the recent NBA Annual Conference in Enugu, Kanu’s legal team submitted a petition highlighting serious breaches of Nigeria’s Constitution, judicial oath, and international treaties. To date, the concerned institutions have failed to respond or open investigations, a situation the consortium describes as a disturbing abdication of responsibility.
The Petition Demands
The petition explicitly called for:
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An immediate halt to the unlawful persecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
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A transparent investigation into the conduct of Justices Binta Nyako, Haruna Tsammani, and Garba Lawal for their roles in delivering unconstitutional rulings.
Judicial Infractions Identified
The Consortium detailed how these judges:
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Sustained charges under repealed laws (the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013 and the Customs & Excise Management Act 1958), in direct violation of the Principle of Legality (nullum crimen sine lege).
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Endorsed the unlawful rendition of Kanu in contravention of the Nigerian Constitution, the Extradition Act, the African Charter, and multiple binding international treaties.
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Violated Section 36 of the Constitution, denying fair hearing and subjecting Kanu to double jeopardy, despite his earlier discharge by a competent court.
The Consortium emphasised that no court, not even the Supreme Court, has the power to resurrect repealed laws or validate an illegal abduction disguised as rendition.
Silence Equals Complicity
“The NBA, NJC, and NHRC cannot hide behind neutrality,” the Consortium stated. “Their silence is not impartiality — it is complicity. Justice delayed is justice denied, and silence in the face of injustice is nothing less than endorsement of oppression.”
Notice of Escalation
The Global Defence Consortium hereby places these institutions on notice:
If they continue to ignore Kanu’s petition, the matter will be escalated to the International Bar Association (IBA) with a formal demand to:
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Suspend Nigeria’s membership until these judicial breaches are fully investigated.
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Hold Nigeria accountable for weaponising its judiciary against political opponents.
Broader Implications
The Consortium warned that Nigeria cannot retain credibility within the international legal community while its judiciary is used as a political weapon. “The rule of law must not be replaced by rule by force,” it declared.
Conclusion
The Global Defence Consortium insists that the persecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu violates Nigeria’s Constitution, its international obligations, and the sanctity of judicial independence. It therefore demands immediate and public corrective action from the NBA, NJC, and NHRC.
Failure to act will compel escalation beyond Nigeria’s borders, where the integrity of the nation’s legal system will be placed under the scrutiny of the international community.
Signed:
Barrister Onyedikachi Ifedi
For: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Global Defence Consortium
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