Lawyer Blames Kanu’s Legal Team For Prolonged Detention
A lawyer and public affairs analyst, Barrister Christopher Chidera, has alleged that lapses by members of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s former legal team contributed to the prolonged detention of the IPOB leader and ultimately influenced changes in his defence structure.
In a public briefing released on Tuesday, Chidera said his intervention was aimed at clarifying what he described as misconceptions surrounding the disengagement of lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor from Kanu’s legal team, while the matter remains before the Court of Appeal.
According to him, attention should remain focused on the legal questions arising from the proceedings rather than on personal disagreements among members of the defence team.
“As a legal practitioner and public affairs analyst committed to constitutional supremacy, fair hearing, and respect for court orders, I write on the circumstances surrounding the disengagement of Ifeanyi Ejiofor from Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team,” he said.
“With the appeal now before the Court of Appeal following conviction, the public should not be misled by distortions that conceal critical professional failures.”
Chidera reviewed the legal proceedings that followed the Court of Appeal’s October 13, 2022 judgment, which discharged Kanu on terrorism-related charges.
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He stated that the legal issues surrounding subsequent applications and proceedings, including the Federal Government’s request for a stay of execution, remain central to the appeal currently before the court.
According to him, the appeal raises questions relating to jurisdiction, fair hearing, and compliance with appellate court decisions.
“The appeal currently before the Court of Appeal raises serious questions of jurisdictional nullity, fair hearing, and obedience to appellate orders,” he said.
“The rule of law requires transparency. The Court of Appeal must now address the foundational irregularities in this matter.”
On the changes in Kanu’s legal representation, Chidera said the defendant’s family was entitled to demand accountability from counsel handling such a sensitive matter.
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“Families have every right to demand competence and accountability from counsel entrusted with such high-stakes matters,” he said.
He urged the public to focus on the legal merits of the appeal rather than personal disputes or disagreements within the legal team.
“At this critical stage, the public must see beyond personal vendettas,” he stated.
Kanu who’s serving a life sentence in Sokoto State for conviction on treason-related charges has lodged an appeal at the Court of Appeal to overturn his conviction.