A’Court dismisses Nnamdi Kanu’s rights appeal following terrorism conviction

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Friday struck out an appeal filed by IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, challenging alleged violations of his fundamental rights while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The three-member panel held that the appeal had become academic following Kanu’s November 20 conviction for terrorism and his subsequent transfer from DSS detention to prison custody.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Boloukuromo Moses Ugo said Kanu’s complaints—ranging from alleged denial of proper medical care to infringement of his right to dignity and freedom of religion—were no longer justiciable since he was no longer in DSS custody.

The court noted that his request to be moved from the DSS facility to Kuje prison had been overtaken by events.

Justice Ugo also pointed out that Kanu had earlier indicated a preference for prison custody, and his current confinement in the Sokoto prison facility aligned with that preference.

The appeal stemmed from Kanu’s challenge to a July 3 ruling by retired Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which dismissed his fundamental rights enforcement suit for lack of evidence.

The DSS Director General, the DSS, and the Attorney General of the Federation were listed as respondents in the matter.