Kanu

Kanu

 

Nigerian separatist, Nnamdi Kanu, challenges secret terror trials

The leader of Nigeria’s banned Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) separatist movement has petitioned the country’s federal high court to overturn a ruling earlier this month that all terrorism cases will be heard in secret.

Nnamdi Kanu said in court papers that the ruling contravened the constitution and several existing laws and should be nullified, the Punch newspaper reports.

On 8 April, high court judge John Terhemba Tsoho ordered the secret trial of terrorism suspects to ensure the security of all parties.

He blocked the media from covering the cases. Only the judge, essential court staff and security agents involved in the case are to be allowed access to court premises.

Mr Kanu has been in and out of court since his arrest in June on terrorism, sedition and other charges linked to Ipob’s activities.

He denies any wrongdoing.

Editorial Chief, Nigerian Bureau

Kings UBA is a Nigerian journalist and writer. I have reported for major local and international news organisations. I write satire. In 2017, I started contributing stories primarily to Discover Africa News Network. I can be reached on editorkingsuba@gmail.com. I currently manage Discover Africa News social media handles