Just In: AGF Malami speaks on Governor Soludo’s request to stand surety for IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu

Abubakar Malami, Nnamdi Kanu and Charles Soludo

Governor Soludo had called on the federal government to either release Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally, or release the IPOB leader to him as his bail surety.

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has reacted to Anambra State governor, Charles Soludo’s request to stand as surety for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Mr Kanu has been leading a separatist campaign for an independent state of Biafra.

According to Mr Kanu, the Biafran Republic would comprise people of Igbo-speaking origin from Nigeria’s South-east and some parts of South-south states.

Also Read>>>> 2023: Wike provides fresh update on preferred presidential candidate

The IPOB leader was first arrested by Nigeria’s spy agency in 2015 in Lagos, South-west Nigeria.

Mr Kanu’s trial on terrorism and treasonable charges has been dismissed by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

The appellate court on 13 October held that Mr Kanu’s extraordinary rendition to Nigeria from Kenya last June was a flagrant violation of Nigeria’s extradition treaty and also a breach of his fundamental human rights. The government’s action, the court said, invalidated the trial.

The court ordered his release from the custody of the Nigerian secret police, State Security Service (SSS).

Read Also>>>> Exposed: Why Nnamdi Kanu is still in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) - IPOB

But Mr Kanu remains in detention while the federal government pursues its appeal at the Supreme Court in an effort to have the charges against him restored.

There have, however, been calls from different quarters for the IPOB leader’s release.

Governor Soludo joined the list of those calling for Mr Kanu’s release during the presidential campaign flag-off of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Awka, Anambra State on 15 January.

Mr Soludo said if Mr Kanu cannot be released unconditionally by the Nigerian government, the IPOB leader should be released to him.

Anambra governor’s request not before federal government

In an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, the Attorney-General said he was not in receipt of Mr Soludo’s request.

“There is no such request formally before the federal government or the judicial process.

“As at today, being 18 January 2023, I am not in receipt of any application arising from the public statement made by the governor of Anambra State (Chukwuma Soludo), either through the judicial process or extended to me as the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF),” Malami said.

Read Also>>>> NO LONGER AT EASE IN NIGERIA - Ikenna Oodo

Mr Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), explained that “when a matter is pending before the court, the right channel through which any request or perhaps concession can be presented for consideration is through the judicial process.”

He added that the renewed call for Mr Kanu’s release “has not been invoked formally for the consideration of the Attorney-General.”

Backstory

Continue Reading

Source: Premium Times Nigeria