The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed two separate lawsuits challenging the Nigerian government for alleged violations of his constitutional rights.
Kanu’s legal team, led by Special Counsel Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, argues that his trial violates Section 36(1) & (4) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair and speedy trial.
The first lawsuit, filed under Suit Number CV/875/25, seeks Kanu’s unconditional release from detention and demands a formal apology from the Nigerian government for the alleged violation of his fundamental rights.
The apology is to be published in three widely circulated national newspapers.
Additionally, Nnamdi Kanu is demanding compensation of N100 billion for alleged physical, mental, and emotional trauma caused by his prolonged detention and legal proceedings.
The second lawsuit, numbered M/3224/2025, seeks a writ of mandamus compelling the Nigerian authorities to follow due legal process in Kanu’s trial. Specifically, the suit demands the transfer of his case to the South-East, arguing that it should have been filed there initially.
Kanu’s legal team contends that the lawsuits were necessary due to repeated constitutional breaches following the recusal of Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako on September 24, 2024. The team highlighted concerns including the failure to reassign the case to another judge, reversing the recusal decision, and refusing to consider moving the case to the South-East.
Ejimakor emphasized that Kanu “cannot fold his hands while these injustices persist.”
The legal team insists that the actions of the authorities amount to a miscarriage of justice, undermining Kanu’s legal rights and prolonging his incarceration without a fair trial.
