Nnamdi Kanu: National security council aligns with Malami on appeal court verdict

The national security council (NSC) has backed the position of the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) regarding the verdict of the appeal court on the case involving Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Muhammad Dingyadi, minister of police affairs, said this on Friday while speaking with journalists after a meeting of the national security council (NSC).

President Muhammadu Buhari presided over the meeting of the security council.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, a three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Hanatu Sankey, held that the federal government flouted the Terrorism Act, Extradition Act, and also violated international conventions and treaties guiding the extradition of Kanu from Kenya.

The appeal court further held that having illegally and forcefully renditioned the appellant, the trial court is stripped of jurisdiction to continue to try Kanu.

Following the ruling of the appeal court, Abubakar Malami, the AGF, had said the federal government “will consider all available options open to us on the judgment on rendition while pursuing determination of pre-rendition issues”.

Speaking further on the development on Thursday, Muhammad Dingyadi, minister of police affairs, said Nigerians will be notified of the federal government’s position after due consultations.

“The issue of Kanu has also been raised and council was briefed on the state of things on the matter,” Dingyadi said.

“And it was observed that Kanu was discharged but he is not acquitted. So, government is considering the appropriate action to be taken on the matter and Nigerians will be notified of the position that will be finally taken on the matter in due course.”

In attendance at the meeting were Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF); Babagana Monguno, national security adviser (NSA); and Ibrahim Gambari, chief of staff to the president.

Also in attendance were Bashir Magashi, minister of defence; Rauf Aregbesola, minister of interior; Lucky Irabor, chief of defence staff; Farouk Yahaya, chief of army staff; Awwal Gambo, chief of naval staff; and Oladayo Amao, chief of air staff.

Usman Baba, inspector-general of police; Yusuf Bichi, director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS); Ahmed Abubakar, director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); and Samuel Adedayo, the chief of defence intelligence, were also at the meeting.