An Abuja Federal High Court has dismissed a N50 billion lawsuit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government.
The suit sought damages for the alleged illegal detention and violation of Kanu’s fundamental rights by the Nigerian government. Justice Inyang Ekwo, who presided over the case, struck it out due to the repeated failure of Kanu’s legal team to appear in court.
The court had previously warned the legal representatives of Kanu about their repeated absences, but the case was ultimately dismissed after they failed to provide any sufficient representation in today’s proceedings. Kanu, who remains incarcerated, has previously argued that his detention was unlawful and that the government violated his rights under Nigerian and international law.
The ruling has sparked reactions, with supporters of the IPOB leader claiming that the Nigerian judicial system has failed to offer him a fair trial.
