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Serial Disobedience of Court Orders: Legal luminary calls for Executive Intervention in prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu

Published

11 months ago

November 17, 2025

Advocate News Nigeria

IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu

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…urges President Tinubu to consider a Nolle Prosequi

Vincent Egechukwu Obetta, Esq., former lead counsel to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has sent a strong appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging decisive executive action over the continued prosecution and detention of the IPOB leader amid serial violations of court orders and constitutional safeguards.

The legal luminary made the appeal in an open letter he sent to the president on the lingering prosecution and detention of Mazi Kanu a copy of which was obtained by The Advocate on Monday.

Obetta emphasized that the prolonged detention of Kanu, despite multiple binding court judgments ordering his release, represents a grave affront to the rule of law, judicial authority, and Nigeria’s constitutional integrity.

Background: Multiple Court Orders Ignored

According to Obetta, he secured the first bail granted to MaziKanu on 19 October 2015 in suit No. ABJ/CMC/CR/21/2015 at the Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja. The bail order was never obeyed by the State Security Service.

Subsequently, in December 2015, Justice A.F.A. Ademola of the Federal High Court ordered Kanu’s unconditional release after dismissing an application for further detention—an order that also remains unenforced.

“These persistent refusals to comply with subsisting court directives constitute a direct violation of Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution,” Obetta stated.

Obetta further highlighted that Kanu’s 2021 abduction in Kenya and subsequent transfer to Nigeria bypassed all lawful extradition procedures.

He wrote: “The High Court of Kenya, in Petition No. E359 of 2021, ruled that the operation was illegal and unconstitutional, awarding Kanu damages of 10 million Kenyan shillings.

“The Court of Appeal, in October 2022 (CA/ABJ/CR/625/2022), held that Kanu’s rendition violated international law, stripped the Federal High Court of jurisdiction, and invalidated the remaining charges. It also ordered his release.

“Although the Supreme Court in December 2023 restored the terrorism charges, Obetta noted that the Court did not deny the underlying constitutional breaches.”

He said the conflicting judicial positions underscore the need for executive intervention “in the interest of justice, legal order, and national stability.”

Obetta warned that the Federal Government’s repeated disobedience of court orders undermines public trust, fuels regional tension—particularly in the South-East—and damages Nigeria’s international credibility.

“A government that disregards its own courts sends a troubling message that the law is optional,” he said, citing the Supreme Court’s condemnation of executive lawlessness in Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu.

He therefore called on President Tinubuu “to ensure immediate compliance with all binding court judgments, including those ordering Kanu’s release.

“Direct the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in accordance with the law.

“Advise the Attorney-General of the Federation to consider entering a nolle prosequi in the overriding public and national interest.

“Support a reconciliatory, peaceful, and lawful resolution to reduce nationwide tension and restore confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.”

“A nolle prosequi remains the most viable legal option to heal the wounds caused by years of unresolved litigation and constitutional violations,” Obetta said.

He urged President Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship by restoring obedience to the rule of law and promoting national peace and unity.

FULL TEXT OF THE OPEN LETTER:

AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

His Excellency,
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

17th November, 2025.

Your Excellency,

SERIAL DISOBEDIENCE OF COURT ORDERS:URGENT REQUEST FOR EXECUTIVE INTERVENTION IN THE PROSECUTION OF MAZI NNAMDI KANU AND CONSIDERATION OF A NOLLE PROSEQUI

Your Excellency, I write with a deep sense of urgency and duty concerning the continued prosecution and detention of MaziNnamdi Kanu. The circumstances surrounding his case hasraised grave constitutional, legal, and international concerns that can no longer be ignored.

1. Background and Disobedience to Court Orders

I was the first legal counsel to represent Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the early stages of his prosecution that commenced 26th day of October, 2015 at the Chief District Court Wuse zone 2, Abuja and I secured his first bail in the same court in suit No.:ABJ/CMC/CR/21/2015. That court order granting him bail was disobeyed as he was held by the State Security Service till date. The said order of the court is attached. The prosecution shunted to the Federal High Court Abuja and filed applicationsuit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/8732015, seeking the order of the court to continue to detain Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for a further period of ninety (90) days. In opposition to the application, and after hearing my argument against further detention of Mazi Kanu, the court per my Lord Justice A.F.A. Ademola dismissed the application and ordered that the Applicant should be released from the prosecution/SSS detention facility unconditionally. The Order dated 17th December, 2015 is attached. These orders remain unimplemented to this day. The continued refusal to obey subsisting court directives is a clear violation of Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution. Such persistent disobedience strikes at the heart of the rule of law, weakens public trust, and undermines the integrity of our judicial system.

2. The Prosecution Lacks Legal Standing:

Your Excellency, a prosecution that is in open disobedience of court orders cannot claim a right of audience. The State cannot continue a trial while refusing to comply with binding judgments. As Lord Denning wisely said, “you cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand.”

The continued trial, under these circumstances, amounts to an abuse of judicial process and a grave affront to judicial authority.

3. The Illegal Rendition from Kenya

Your Excellency, the manner in which Mazi Kanu was abducted in Kenya in June 2021 and brought to Nigeria without any lawful extradition process was unlawful. It violated the Extradition Act, Sections 35 and 36 of the Constitution, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The High Court of Kenya, in Constitutional Petition No. E359 of 2021, held that his abduction and removal were illegal, unconstitutional, and carried out with the complicity of state agents. The Court awarded him damages of 10 million Kenyan shillings.

4. Decisions of the Nigerian Court of Appeal and Supreme Court

The Court of Appeal, in CA/ABJ/CR/625/2022, made a clear and unequivocal finding:

• Mazi Kanu’s rendition was illegal;

• His removal violated Nigeria’s international obligations;

• The trial court had no jurisdiction;

• The remaining charges were quashed and his release ordered.The Court expressly stated that the prosecution had lost the legal right to continue the case.

In suit No.: SC/CR/1361/2022, the Supreme Court, in December 2023, restored the terrorism charges, it did not deny that grave violations occurred. It is the copious contradictions between these judgments that highlight the need for my earnest request for decisive executive intervention in the interest of justice, order, and national stability.

4. The Broader Impact: Rule of Law, Peace, and Nigeria’s Image

A government that disregards its own courts sends a troubling message that the law is optional. Our Supreme Court in Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu warned against “executive lawlessness,” noting that no nation can survive such a path.

The ongoing detention has heightened tension across the globe particularly the South-East of Nigeria, deepened public mistrust, and contributed to avoidable instability. Internationally, Nigeria’s image suffers when court orders, domestic or foreign are ignored. The obnoxious act fetters on Nigeria international commitments. Respect for, and fanatical obedience to the rule of law strengthens our moral authority and international standing.

6. My Humble Requests

Your Excellency, I respectfully request that you:

1. Ensure immediate compliance with all binding court decisions, including the Court of Appeal judgment.

2. Direct the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in accordance with the law.

3. Advise the Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation to consider entering a nolle prosequi in the overriding public interest.

4. Support a lawful, peaceful, and reconciliatory resolution that promotes national unity and stability.

Conclusion

Your Excellency, decisive leadership in this matter will restore confidence in the rule of law, ease tensions, and strengthen Nigeria’s standing at home and abroad. I urge you to act in the interest of justice, fairness, and national peace.

A nolle prosequi is the only viable legal option that will heal the sore wounds that Mazi Kanu’s persecution has opened. The mood of the nation, today, is intolerant to legalism and fireworks.

I thank Your Excellency for your attention and in anticipation of your swift reaction.

Yours faithfully,

Vincent Egechukwu Obetta Esq.

Patriotic Nigerian.

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NDC fumes as police cancel Obi-Kwankwaso march in Akwa Ibom

Published

56 minutes ago

October 2, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

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Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has expressed anger over the police cancellation of a two-million-man march organised by “Obidient Movement” scheduled for the presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Uyo.

It was gathered that the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, had issued a press statement warning all political parties to stop any rally or street march on Independence Day in the state, stating a lack of enough manpower to control such a crowd.

A statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John and made available to journalists on Wednesday in Uyo, warned political parties, groups or associations to halt any planned procession in the city during the Independence Day festivities.

“The Akwa Ibom State police command wishes to inform all political parties, political groups, associations and other concerned stakeholders that, following credible intelligence available to the command indicating plans by some individuals to exploit scheduled political activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace, and in the overriding interest of public safety and security, all approvals earlier granted for political rallies, meetings, processions and other related public political activities scheduled to hold on Thursday, 1st October 2026, anywhere within Akwa Ibom State are hereby directed to be rescheduled,” the police statement read.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, the State Director of Obidient Movement, Dr Benjamin Smith, expressed annoyance, accusing the police of frustrating the planned two-million-man march for Obi/Kwankwaso in the state.

Smith said the order was an afterthought, as the police commissioner had earlier granted their request to hold the rally in Uyo.

He said the Obidient Movement had spent over N20m to mobilise their supporters across the 31 local government areas of the state and wondered why the police would just wake up and cancel the event without minding the cost implications to the organisers.

He added that the party honoured an invitation by the police on September 29, including members of the planning committee for the proposed Akwa Ibom two-million-man solidarity march for Obi-Kwankwaso 2027.

Smith, who was accompanied by the officers of the Obidient Movement and NDC chieftains, estimated the loss following the cancellation of the rally to the tune of N20m and insisted that the movement and NDC would not accept further cancellation in the future.

He encouraged supporters to be law-abiding as another scheduled rally would be communicated to them.

He accused the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, of being responsible for the postponement and reminded them that they were once an opposition party but were given a level playing field to campaign and win elections in the past.

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Hardship: Federal, state, LG workers begin 3-day warning strike nationwide today

Published

1 hour ago

October 2, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

File: NLC rally

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…Decry Tinubu’s indifference to demand

…Public sector unions order total compliance

Public sector unions under the aegis of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, JNPSNC, have directed all federal, state and local government employees, including staff of ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, nationwide, to begin a three-day warning strike from midnight today over the failure of government to address their demands.

The council directed union officials in the federal, state and local government services to ensure total compliance with the industrial action, citing what it described as worsening economic and mental hardship being experienced by workers and other Nigerians.

This came as President Bola Tinubu did not make a reference to the workers demand to slash fuel price to N500 and adopt measures to cushion the effect of the economic hardship in his Indepencence Day broadcast, yesterday.

Members of the JNPSNC include the Nigerian Civil Service Union, NCSU; Medical and Health Workers Union, M&HWU; Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN; and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, NANNM.

Others are the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Employees, AUPCTRE; Nigeria Union of Public Service, Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processors and Allied Workers, NUPSRAW; National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Products Workers, NUPPPPROW; and National Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees, NUAEE.

Employees of federal and state government MDAs are also affected.

The warning strike followed the failure of the Federal Government to address demands contained in a letter dated September 21, 2026, to President Tinubu by the national leadership of the JNPSNC.

The council explained that the action was necessary to press home its concerns over the hardship confronting workers and vulnerable Nigerians.

The council had on September 29, threatened a three-day warning strike should its demands for the petrol price to be cut to N500 a litre, a wage award and other measures to cushion the hardship in the country not be met or addressed by President Tinubu during his Independence Anniversary Address to the nation, yesterday.

The JNPSNC leadership, expressed disappointed that President Tinubu, in his Independence anniversary address, did not heed the demand for the pump price of petrol to be slashed to N500, from the current N1,400 to N2,000 per litre, depending on the location, or announce immediate measures to ameliorate the socio-economic hardship caused by government policies.

Directive to proceed on strike

The directive to proceed on the warning strike was contained in a circular by JNPSNC’s National Secretary (Trade Union side), Olowoyo Gbenga, yesterday, to the national presidents and general secretaries, state chairmen and secretaries of affiliate unions to the JNPSNC, entitled “Declaration of three day Warning Strike; action with immediate effect.”

The circular reads: “Please, recall the position of the National leadership of JNPSNC that if Mr President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Tinubu refuses to address our requests as contained in the letter to his exalted office (dated September 21, 2026), the three day warning strike earlier scheduled shall commence immediately.

“Consequent upon the above, the strike shall start with effect from midnight of Friday, October 2, 2026, to Sunday, October 4, 2026.

“In the same vein, all public servants in the services of federal, state and local governments are to join the warning strike because an injury to one is an injury to all, most especially all workers, their dependants, vulnerable and hapless Nigerians are groaning terribly under the present economic hardship.

“The economic and mental hardships are becoming unbearable and frustrating. The time to act and mobilise workers for the three days warning strike is now. Please, disseminate the information. Surely, there is victory for us.”

Deeply disappointed

Expressing their frustration, one of the leaders of the JNPSNC told Vanguard newspapers: “We are deeply disappointed that the President’s Independence Anniversary address failed to address our legitimate demands for a reduction in the pump price of petrol and the introduction of concrete measures to alleviate the excruciating hardship confronting workers and other Nigerians.

“While the President acknowledged the severe suffering inflicted on citizens by government policies, it is deeply concerning that the speech offered no concrete relief or meaningful response to the urgent demands of Nigerian workers.

“In view of this failure to address these pressing concerns, our three-day warning strike will proceed as planned.”

The strike notice

Recall that the JNPSNC had, on September 21, written to President Tinubu, demanding that the price of petrol be slashed to N500, the immediate announcement of a wage award and the commencement of negotiations for a minimum wage of not less than N500,000 from 2027, among other demands.

The statement by the National Secretary of the JNPSNC and General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Olowoyo Gbenga, said the September 30, deadline remained sacrosanct, stressing that the concerns of Nigerian workers could no longer be ignored.

According to him: “The three critical issues requiring urgent attention are as follows: Reduction of fuel price to N500 per litre. The Federal Government should take urgent steps to bring down the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N500 per litre.

“This can be achieved through the provision of an intervention fund to address landing costs and support oil and gas operators.

“It is equally important for the Federal Government to ensure the sale of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery and operators of modular refineries at appropriate terms, in order to facilitate increased domestic refining and help bring down the price of petroleum products.

“The current price of PMS, ranging from N1,450 to N2,000 and, in some locations outside major communities and cities, as high as N2,500 per litre, is unacceptable to Nigerian workers.

“The Council maintains that the economic hardship occasioned by the high cost of fuel is placing the survival of Nigerian workers, their dependants and the general populace under severe pressure, making it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to live normal and dignified lives.

Wage award

“The Federal Government should urgently approve a Wage Award for Nigerian workers to cushion the effects of the prevailing harsh economic conditions being experienced by workers, their dependants, and vulnerable Nigerians.

“The Council believes that urgent action on this demand will further enable public servants to consolidate their loyalty, commitment and productivity within the public service ecosystem.

Minimum wage committee

“The Federal Government should urgently establish a Tripartite Committee to commence and facilitate negotiations for the new National Minimum Wage expected to become due in 2027.

“The Nigerian workers’ demand for the immediate constitution of the committee is informed by the need to avoid any administrative or procedural delay that could affect the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage once it is eventually negotiated and passed into law by the National Assembly.

Warning strike

“Consequently, the Council states that failure by the Federal Government to take the necessary steps to address these issues on or before September 30, 2026, will leave Nigerian workers with no option but to commence a three-day warning strike, with effect from Friday, October 2, 2026, to press home their demands.

“It is imperative to state clearly that the Independence Day address of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should adequately address these critical issues.

“Failure to address the concerns raised, according to the Council, will attract the displeasure of Nigerian workers and their dependants, as well as other vulnerable Nigerians who continue to bear the brunt of the prevailing economic hardship.”

SSANU fumes over 2026 agreement implementation

Meanwhile, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, has issued a warning against delays, selective implementation and marginalisation in the rollout of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement, declaring that the union “will not accept unnecessary delays, selective implementation, marginalisation or any attempt to diminish the financial and non-financial provisions of the Agreement.”

Delivering the State of the Union Address at the 56th National Executive Council, NEC, meeting at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, National President, Mohammed Ibrahim said implementation had “commenced in some universities” but remained incomplete in others due to “funding and administrative challenges.”

Insisting that the 2026 pact and NEC resolutions must yield measurable benefits, Ibrahim said: “Agreements and NEC resolutions must translate into concrete action and measurable benefits for our members.”

He directed branches and zones to “continue to monitor implementation, maintain accurate and verifiable membership records, document cases of non-compliance or victimisation, and provide timely reports to the National Secretariat.”

While affirming SSANU’s commitment to dialogue, the president cautioned: “Our commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement should not be mistaken for weakness.

“Where implementation is deliberately frustrated or the decisions of NEC are ignored, the Union reserves the right to take all lawful and constitutional steps necessary to defend the interests of its members.”

On welfare, Ibrahim stressed that the 2026 Agreement “took effect from January 1, 2026, although it was formally signed on June 29, 2026,” and that “financial obligations arising from the effective date remain outstanding and must be fully addressed.” Vanguard)

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Police confirm NYSC members among abducted passengers on Owerri-Onitsha Road, rescue 10

Published

11 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

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The Imo state police command says members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were among those abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway on Thursday morning.

Okoye Henry, police spokesperson in Imo, said in a statement that 10 of the victims had been rescued.

He said the exact number of persons abducted was still being verified and would be made public once confirmed.

Reports said that there was tension on the road in the early hours of Thursday after gunmen attacked two 18-seater buses carrying passengers and took them into the bush.

According to a viral video circulated on X, the victims were travelling to Akwa Ibom and Abia states in buses branded with the Abia state government logo when the attackers intercepted the vehicles and robbed the passengers.

Okoye said the incident occurred around 6:30am, adding that NYSC members were among those abducted.

“The incident occurred at about 0630hrs on 1st October, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, by Umunoha. Two buses conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively, were attacked by suspected armed men,” the statement reads.

“Following a swift response by the Police and other security agencies, both buses have been recovered and 10 victims were rescued at the scene.

“The rescued victims are in safe hands and are being attended to. The exact number of persons abducted is being verified and will be made public once confirmed.”

The police spokesperson said operatives were still conducting coordinated search and rescue operations, backed by intelligence to track the suspects and rescue the remaining victims.

He said the commissioner of police in Imo, alongside other service commanders, have visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to give operational direction.

“He assured the public that the Command will sustain the operation until all victims are safely recovered and the suspects are brought to justice,” Okoye said.

He said the command was working with the NYSC directorate to reach the families of the affected corps members, who would be kept informed as the situation developed.

He added that the affected section of the expressway had been reopened and traffic was flowing, while security personnel remained deployed to protect commuters.

The command appealed for calm and urged the public to remain vigilant, adding that anyone with credible information should report to the nearest police station or contact the command’s emergency lines.

“All information will be treated in confidence,” Okoye added.