FG loses bid to quash Kanu’s suit at ECOWAS Court
The Federal Government has lost its preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Abuja to hear a case of breach of fundamental human rights filed by Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. The presiding judge, Justice Micah Wright in a ruling Tuesday, held that the court had […]
IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The Federal Government has lost its preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Abuja to hear a case of breach of fundamental human rights filed by Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The presiding judge, Justice Micah Wright in a ruling Tuesday, held that the court had jurisdiction to entertain the application. He ruled that the case was admissible.
The matter was thereafter adjourned to April 27 for continuation of hearing.
Kanu is suing the FG for alleged illegal detention. He is seeking $800 million as compensation for violation of his human rights and an order directing his unconditional release and that of his personal belongings.
Joined in the suit are the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Director-General of Department of State Services (DSS).
He is also praying the court to declare that his arrest and detention since October 14, 2015 by the defendants, is in flagrant disobedience to several orders of courts of competent jurisdiction.
He also prayed the court to direct the defendants to respect, protect and promote his rights to life, liberty and freedom of movement, assembly and expression.
Kanu is asking the court to declare that his continued detention is a violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Charter of 1970.