The legal team representing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has clarified that their client has not been formally charged with terrorism, contrary to the impression created by the Federal Government’s ongoing prosecution.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, made this assertion following renewed public debate on the legality of his detention. Ejimakor explained that while the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney-General’s Office have consistently described Kanu’s case as terrorism-related, there is no valid terrorism charge pending against him before any Nigerian court.
According to the defense, the federal government initially filed a 15-count charge, which was later pruned to seven counts after several counts were struck out by the Federal High Court in Abuja. Even then, none of the remaining counts, Ejimakor said, directly fall under the statutory definition of terrorism as stipulated by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
Ejimakor further stressed that Kanu’s alleged offenses—such as making broadcasts or advocating for self-determination—do not equate to acts of terror. He urged the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and prevent the criminalization of political expression.
Human rights groups have echoed these sentiments, insisting that Kanu’s continued detention despite multiple court orders for his release is unconstitutional. The next hearing in his case is expected later this month, as public attention mounts on the need for a political solution to the lingering agitation in the Southeast.
