The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called for urgent reforms within the Nigerian judiciary, addressing a strongly worded letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
The group has voiced serious concerns over the ongoing judicial processes under his leadership, specifically highlighting the contentious prosecution of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement released on Tuesday by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, the organization described the current state of the Nigerian judicial system as dire, necessitating the declaration of a state of emergency.
IPOB claims that the prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu has revealed significant flaws and biases within the judiciary, which threaten the foundational principles of criminal law in Nigeria.
IPOB’s statement criticizes what it describes as a blatant disregard for the Nigerian Constitution in Kanu’s trial.
They allege that clear constitutional provisions are being ignored or misinterpreted by some judges, leading to what they term as judicial anarchy and procedural lawlessness.
The group insists that these actions undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in the judicial system.
The statement reads in part, “We the noble family of the Indigenous People of Biafra led by the prophet of our time Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu feel compelled to bring to your attention the ongoing choreographed perversion of the course of justice taking place in an Abuja court in the case of FGN v. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
We equally urge your immediate intervention to arrest this ongoing desecration of the rule of law being conducted in full view of the public and civilised world.”
IPOB detailed a specific incident where a high court judge in Abuja allegedly refused to respect a Supreme Court ruling related to Kanu’s case.
This defiance, they argue, exemplifies a breakdown in judicial discipline and respect for higher court decisions, which could lead to widespread judicial anarchy.
The group emphasized three critical points addressed by the Supreme Court: the military invasion of Kanu’s home in Isiama Afaraukwu Ibeku, his subsequent escape for safety, and the restoration of his bail.
IPOB pointed out that the Supreme Court had unequivocally declared the invasion by federal agents as unlawful and contemptuous of court orders.
Despite this, IPOB claims that the trial judge, along with the former Attorney General, proceeded to issue an unlawful bench warrant against Kanu.
IPOB’s appeal to Justice Ariwoola includes calls for the retraining of high court judges to ensure they properly interpret the constitution and the judgments of superior courts.
They argue that such measures are essential to prevent the further erosion of the rule of law and to restore integrity to the judicial process.
Before his retirement, IPOB urges Justice Ariwoola to take decisive action to rectify these issues. “Before your retirement, there is an urgent need for you to declare a state of emergency in the judicial sector,” the statement continued.
“This should include but not be restricted to the retraining of some high court judges on the manner of proper interpretation of judgments, decisions and opinions of superior courts of record.
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