A United Kingdom-based human rights lawyer, Barrister Njoku Jude Njoku, has condemned the Nigerian government for violating both local and international laws in the extradition and trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Njoku asserted that Kanu's forceful extradition from Kenya without judicial authorization directly contravened the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and multiple provisions in both Nigerian and Kenyan law.

The lawyer specifically criticized the December 2023 Supreme Court judgment in FRN v. Nnamdi Kanu, where Justice Garba Mohammed claimed no Nigerian law explicitly prevents the prosecution of a person illegally rendered into the country.

"This assertion negates and contradicts Nigeria's Extradition Act, particularly sections 3(7), 5, and 15, which collectively create a legal framework demanding due process, restricting the use of force in transnational transfers, and upholding the rights of fugitives," Njoku stated.

According to the lawyer, Kenya's Constitution under Article 29 guarantees freedom and security of the person, while Article 47 ensures fair administrative action – both of which were bypassed in Kanu's rendition. Similarly, Nigeria's Constitution under Section 35 protects personal liberty, and Section 36 guarantees fair hearing, which was also infringed.

"Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, domesticated in Nigeria under Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, forbids arbitrary deprivation of life and integrity," Njoku explained. "These provisions were violated, as Kanu was removed without due process, contradicting extradition treaties between Kenya and Nigeria."

The lawyer further highlighted that Kanu's charges were shifted from treasonable felony to terrorism, allegedly for offenses committed outside Nigeria, raising significant jurisdictional issues under the Extradition Act.

"The replacement of the initial charges with fresh terrorism allegations—none of which were the basis for the extraordinary rendition—further violates the principle of 'specialty' and subverts legal norms," he added.

Njoku warned that the Supreme Court's ruling sets a dangerous precedent for future cases, potentially weakening due process protections in extradition and related cases, risking increased international criticism.

"Justice, if it must stand, must not be built on a foundation of illegality. Kanu's case is not simply about a man; it is about whether the Nigerian state remains bound by law or has become an arbiter above it," the lawyer concluded.

The lawyer's statement comes in stark contrast to the Supreme Court's decision to overturn a Court of Appeal ruling from 2022 that had discharged Kanu, citing breaches of fair hearing rights.