The Federal Government of Nigeria has lost its attempt to transfer the suit of the extraordinary rendition of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from Umuahia to Abuja.
The High Court in Umuahia, Abia State, ruled that it has the jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit.
This was confirmed by Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, in a tweet.
He tweeted: “Breaking: Federal High Court, Umuahia denies the Federal Government’s application to transfer the ‘extraordinary rendition’ suit to Abuja.
“And rules that Umuahia has the jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit.
“Reading of the rest of the judgment continues.”
The Special Counsel was challenging Kanu’s abduction and extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
Nevertheless, he is praying the court to order his return to Kenya or UK, his country of abode.
Why Nnamdi Kanu cannot be released – Nigerian govt
However, the Federal Government has given reasons why it cannot obey the court ruling. The ruling ordered for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
The Nigerian government told the Appeal Court in Abuja that Kanu poses a flight risk and is a threat to national security.
An Assistant State Counsel in the Attorney-General of the Federation office, David Kaswe, informed the court that the case against Kanu bordered on national security.
Kaswe said: “It is important to appreciate the gamut of depositions in our application. The Respondent is a flight risk person. And one of the grounds of our application is that this matter touches on national security of the State.
“Once there is a threat to national security, human rights of any individual can be suspended. Until such threat is taken care of.”
Kaswe also informed the court that releasing Kanu would worsen the security situation in the South East.