IPOB Rejects Court Ruling, Defends Kanu’s Constitutional Rights | Citizen NewsNG
Citizen NewsNG
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Nnamdi Kanu and his lawyers
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rejected Justice James Omotosho’s ruling that its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, must explain certain issues in his ongoing terrorism trial.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB questioned the judge’s directive, arguing that Section 36(11) of the Nigerian Constitution prohibits compelling any defendant to testify against himself.
According to IPOB, the Abuja court is no longer adhering to the rule of law but rather serving the interests of the Presidency and its allies.
“The remark has exposed the reality of Abuja courts that their first duty is not to ensure justice, but to satisfy the whims and caprices of the federal government and its leaders, particularly the Presidency and some sections of Nigeria who want Kanu’s continued incarceration,” the group alleged.
“By demanding that our leader ‘explain certain things,’ Justice Omotosho is not applying the law; he is aiding persecution,” IPOB added.
The group further asked: “Explain certain things like what? Does the judge not know that Section 36(11) of the Nigerian Constitution forbids compelling any defendant to testify against himself?
“Does the judge not understand that the burden of proof rests solely on the prosecution, not the accused?
“Is Justice Omotosho suggesting that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu should fill the gaps in a case built on contradictory witnesses, absence of investigation reports, and reliance on a repealed law?”
IPOB insisted however, that Kanu’s trial was politically motivated and that the judiciary must “stop this charade of shifting the burden of proof onto an innocent man whose only ‘crime’ is demanding self-determination for his people.”
The group reaffirmed its commitment to international law, declaring: “IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu stand on the side of truth and international law.”
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