HURIWA Raise Questions On The Secret Trial Of Nnamdi Kanu | READ DETAILS
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has kicked against the decision of the Federal High Court to conduct a secret trial for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Federal High Court Abuja, on Thursday, announced the introduction of new Practice Directions on trial of terrorism-related cases (The Federal High Court Practice Directions On Trial of Terrorism Cases 2022).
This new practice among others, entail that ‘Proceedings of offences of terrorism shall be held in camera or as may be ordered by the Court’ READ HERE
Reacting to the new practice which was announced ahead of Nnamdi Kanu’s Friday trial, HURIWA described it as ‘totally unlawful and irregular’.
The Association through its National coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, queried why the federal government is ‘afraid of the light and has chosen to try him (Kanu) in the dark if it has a case against the IPOB leader.
The statement read;
“Secret trial for the leader of the now proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after he was abducted forcefully from Kenya by Nigeria’s secret services in collaboration with their Kenyan counterparts, after being subjected to horrendous ordeals and illegal rendition, which offends relevant international humanitarian laws, is unconstitutional, primitive, illegal and obnoxious.
“it is as if Nigeria is back to the days of military tribunal whereby citizens were simply chopped off the streets and made to face organized trial with predetermined outcome.
“The decision on the Nnamdi Kanu’s case is totally unlawful and irregular. If government believes it has a case against him, which is very doubtful, why is government afraid of the light and has chosen to try him in the dark?
“This may escalate the security situation in the South East because most people will see this as not been transparent, open and justifiably carried out.
“Whatever outcome from such a secret trial is ab initio null, void and of no moment.
“We in HURIWA reject this appalling demolition of judicial transparency by the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration. This will adversely damage constitutional democracy.”
