By Muhammad Mamman
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a fresh motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the court to dismiss all charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
In the new legal application, Kanu’s defence team is challenging the competence of the charges, arguing that his continued prosecution violates both Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights standards. The motion, filed through his lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, contends that the government has failed to establish a prima facie case linking Kanu to any act of treason or terrorism.
Ejimakor told reporters that the motion seeks “a complete and unconditional dismissal of all remaining counts,” insisting that the charges are politically motivated and rest on “flimsy and recycled allegations.”
The IPOB leader, who has been in custody since his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021, faces multiple counts including treasonable felony, incitement, and membership of a proscribed organisation. His lawyers have repeatedly maintained that the government’s handling of his case breaches both local and international legal norms, particularly regarding extraordinary rendition and fair trial rights.
Legal observers note that the new motion could reshape the trajectory of one of Nigeria’s most closely watched court cases. The Court of Appeal had previously struck out several counts in the indictment, ruling that the manner of Kanu’s return to Nigeria was unlawful — but the Federal Government refiled amended charges last year, prolonging the legal standoff.
Government prosecutors, however, insist that Kanu must face justice for his alleged role in inciting violence and undermining national security. A senior official from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), speaking on condition of anonymity, said the state would “vigorously oppose” the motion, describing it as another attempt to delay proceedings.
Meanwhile, Kanu’s supporters have renewed calls for his immediate release, staging peaceful protests in parts of the South-East and London. IPOB’s spokesperson said the group remains committed to a legal resolution but warned that “continued persecution” of its leader could heighten regional tensions.
The court is expected to fix a date for hearing the motion in the coming days, amid heightened security around the Federal High Court complex in Abuja.
Analysts say the outcome could either mark a turning point in the long-running case or further entrench the legal and political impasse between the Federal Government and pro-Biafra activists.
