The Court of Appeal in Abuja has granted the request by the Federal Government for a stay of execution of its October 13 judgment freeing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and quashing the terrorism charge filed against him.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
A three-member panel panel of the court, in a ruling on Friday, upheld the Federal Government’s application and ordered that the execution of the judgment be put on hold pending the determination of the appeal filed against the judgment by the government.
Justice Haruna Tsamani, who read the lead ruling, ordered the FG to expedite action on the appeal it filed by ensuring prompt transmission of regards among others.
The judge held that the counter-affidavit filed by Kanu’s legal team against FG’s application was misleading.
Lawyer to the FG, David Kaswe, from the Federal Ministry of Justice, had while arguing the application on October 24, prayed the court to stay the execution of the judgment for the sake of national security.
Kaswe said: “The application was brought in the interest of justice and to preserve the security in the South East and the country.
“We have demonstrated that the respondent (Kanu) is a flight risk. If the judgement is not stayed until our appeal is heard and determined by the Supreme Court, it will be difficult for us to lay our hands on the respondent to bring him back to court to face the charge against him.
“The respondent has shown that he has the capacity to jump bail,” he said.
Kaswe added that should Kanu be released from custody, it could impact negatively on the security situation in the South East.
He said should the judgment be executed now and Kanu released, it would negatively impact national security, particularly as it relates to the South East.
Kaswe prayed the court to grant the sole prayer in the application in the interest of justice and unity of the country.
Responding, Kanu’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) accused the Fwd Govt of being in contempt of court.
Ozekhome argued that the Fed Govt filed its application to overrule the judgement of the court.
He claimed that Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has boasted on many occasions that government would not obey the judgement.
Ozekhome argued that as against the government’s claim, Kanu’s release would bring peace and tranquility to the South East and the country.
He added that the application by the Fed Govt was to stay the execution of Kanu’s liberty and urged the court not to indulge the government.
Ozekhome contended that there was no valid appeal by the Fed Govt at the Supreme Court, noting that the court cannot stay execution when there is no valid appeal.
He prayed the court to dismiss the application.
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
_______________________________________________________________________
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
________________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola
_______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
