The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has sharply criticized the ruling of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which declared that its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has a case to answer regarding terrorism charges brought by the federal government.
In a statement released on Saturday by Comrade Emma Powerful, Media and Publicity Secretary, the group questioned the judge’s neutrality, asking, “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?”
According to IPOB, the responsibility of proof lies entirely with the prosecution, not the defendant. The group further argued that Justice Omotosho’s comments reveal how Abuja courts prioritize government interests over justice.
“By demanding that our Leader ‘explain,’ Justice Omotosho is not applying the law; he is aiding persecution,” the statement declared.
IPOB emphasized that both the group and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu stand firmly on truth and international law, urging the Nigerian judiciary to end what it described as the charade of placing the burden on an innocent man whose only “crime” is calling for self-determination for his people.
The statement partly read: “The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) strongly condemns the ruling of Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who declared yesterday that “the defendant will need to explain certain things” in the ongoing trial of our Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“We ask Justice Omotosho directly: 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 on 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should fill the gaps in a case built on contradictory witnesses, absence of investigation reports, and reliance on a repealed law?
“This remark exposes the reality of Abuja courts: their first duty is not to justice, but to the government. By demanding that our Leader “explain,” Justice Omotosho is not applying the law; he is aiding persecution.
“We remind the world that IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu stand on the side of truth and international law. The Nigerian judiciary must stop this charade of shifting the burden onto an innocent man whose only “crime” is demanding self-determination for his people.”
On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed Kanu’s no-case submission, ruling that he must open his defence in the terrorism trial filed against him.
Justice Omotosho held that a prima facie case had been established, requiring Kanu to provide explanations. The court further directed the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) to assemble a team of medical experts to assess Kanu’s health condition.
IPOB’s statement underlined the continuing controversy surrounding Kanu’s trial, maintaining that the prosecution’s case is based on contradictory witnesses, missing investigation reports, and reliance on a repealed law.
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