A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the federal government and the Department of State Services (DSS), News About Nigeria reports.
In a judgement delivered on Monday, presiding judge James Omotosho ruled that Kanu failed to provide credible evidence to support his allegations of rights violations by the defendants.
Nnamdi Kanu had accused DSS operatives of denying him access to his lawyers and eavesdropping on his conversations with them.
However, Judge Omotosho determined that these claims could not be substantiated.
Kanu had sought N1 billion in damages for the alleged violations, arguing that his right to a fair hearing was compromised while he was detained and preparing for his defence in his criminal trial.
The lawsuit, marked FHC/CS/1633/2023, named the Attorney-General of the Federation and the DSS as defendants.
Kanu alleged that the DSS and its Director General had obstructed his legal team’s interactions with him, thereby infringing on his right to a fair trial.
In a related development on June 19, Nnamdi Kanu expressed his readiness to negotiate his case with the Federal Government.
This intention was communicated through his legal team, led by Alloy Ejimakor, during proceedings on the seven-count charge of terrorism and treasonable felony brought against him by the Federal Government.
Ejimakor cited Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which allows for amicable resolution of such matters.
Ejimakor stated, “Section 17 of the Federal High Court Rules states that in any proceeding, the court may consider reconciliation and settlement.”
However, the Federal Government’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, responded that he did not have the authority to engage in negotiations, as this responsibility lies solely with the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice.
Awomolo stressed that only the AGF has the jurisdiction to negotiate or take further steps in cases involving alleged terrorism.
“If he is interested in negotiating, he knows the right place, the Attorney General of the Federation’s office,” Awomolo said.
After hearing the arguments, Justice Binta Nyako clarified that the court’s role was to adjudicate the matter presented before it and not to act as a mediator for any party.
She noted that the decision to pursue negotiations was a matter for the parties involved.
“If you want to discuss with the AGF, no problem at all,” Justice Nyako added.
