
News
Serial Disobedience of Court Orders: Legal luminary calls for Executive Intervention in prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu
…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:
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:
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.
News
BREAKING: Tension as Video Shows Islamic Group Members Allegedly Calling for AK-47 to Kill Christians in Enugu, Jos
Tension has heightened following the emergence of a viral video purportedly showing members of an Islamic volunteer group chanting lyrics calling for an AK-47 rifle to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos, the Plateau State capital.
The footage, which has sparked outrage and concern on social media, reportedly features members of the Agaji volunteer wing of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), popularly known as Izala.
The video, shared by counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama, gained traction on social media, particularly X, on Sunday.
It shows a group of young men dressed in brown uniforms and blue berets, with one of them leading a chant containing violent references to obtaining an AK-47 rifle to attack people described as “infidels” in the two cities.
In one section of the chant, the singer calls for a rifle to enable an individual to travel to Enugu and attack Christians while they are worshipping in church.

“He should be given AK-47. He would then go to Enugu, the land of the infidels. On Sunday, when they are worshipping and clapping, he would then open fire, so that he can kill the infidels,” the lyrics state.
The chant subsequently references Jos, with another call for an AK-47 to attack people described as infidels.
“He asked to be given an AK-47 again, so that he can go to Jos and kill more infidels. That is the training,” the singer says.
The video has triggered widespread concern among Nigerians, with many calling on security agencies to investigate the footage, identify those involved and take appropriate action to prevent any potential threat to public safety.
The references to Enugu and Jos, alongside the explicit calls for armed attacks during Christian worship, have raised concerns about the safety of residents and worshippers in the affected cities.
However, as of the time of filing this report, the governments of Enugu and Plateau states, as well as the relevant security agencies, had yet to issue official statements on the video.
It remains unclear when and where the footage was recorded and whether the individuals featured in it have been identified by security authorities.
News
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala loses mother
Prof. Kamene Okonjo, matriarch of Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family, mother of Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo ll, traditional ruler of Ogwashi Uku community in Delta has passed on.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the matriarch, and mother of the Director- General, World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, died on Friday at the age of 96.
The late Kamene Okonjo was the beloved wife of late Obi (Prof.) Chukwuka Okonjo, the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku community, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.
This is contained in a statement by Chief Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, Palace Secretary of the community on behalf of the royal family on Sunday.
According to the statement, the late Okonjo was an extraordinary woman, whose remarkable life was defined by intellectual brilliance, humility, compassion, dignity and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of humanity.

“An internationally recognised and foremost sociologist, Prof. Kamene Okonjo distinguished herself through her outstanding academic accomplishments, intellectual contributions and lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment.
“She was a woman of exceptional intellect, yet possessed a rare gentleness of spirit, humility and grace that endeared her to everyone privileged to know her.
“Her achievements transcended the boundaries of Ogwashi-Uku and Nigeria, earning her admiration and respect within academic and intellectual circles internationally.”
The statement added that the late Okonjo represented the very finest qualities of scholarship, womanhood, motherhood and service to society.
“Beyond her considerable professional accomplishments, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a cherished pillar of the royal family.
“Her wisdom, kindness, quiet strength and exemplary character will remain an enduring inspiration to generations yet unborn.
“While we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life exceptionally well lived.
“At 96 years, Okonjo left behind an extraordinary legacy of scholarship, service, family values and advocacy for the dignity and advancement of women.
“We take comfort in our Christian faith and the assurance that she is resting peacefully with the Lord, haven completed her earthly journey with grace and distinction,” it said.
The statement said the entire Umu Obi Obahai family extended its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, her beloved children; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Onyema Okonjo and Chichi Okonjo.
The family also extended their condolences to their spouses, sons and daughters in law, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the entire extended Okonjo royal family.
It also enjoined the people of Ogwashi-Uku to join the family in celebrating the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of their remarkable daughter, mother, scholar and matriarch, whose contributions to humanity would never be forgotten. (NAN)
News
NCDC Reports Two Suspected Ebola Cases as Contacts Rise to 53
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported two suspected Ebola cases as the number of people being monitored following the country’s confirmed infection rises to 53.
The development has heightened the urgency of efforts to contain the virus and prevent further transmission.
The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Sunday, October 25, 2026, during a press briefing in Abuja, where he provided an update on the country’s surveillance and response measures.
“We have established two additional suspected cases and 53 primary contact links. They are primary contacts. We have an isolation centre and a quarantine centre,” Idris said.
However, details surrounding the two suspected cases remained unclear, as other accounts of the briefing indicated that authorities had investigated two cases, including the confirmed infection in Abuja and a suspected case in Rivers State that subsequently tested negative.

The reported suspected cases should therefore not be interpreted as additional confirmed infections without laboratory confirmation.
Providing details of the contact-tracing exercise, Idris said the 53 contacts comprised 44 people linked to the healthcare facility where the confirmed patient received treatment and nine others identified through further investigations.
The additional contacts included three members of the patient’s household, three healthcare workers who attended to her at an earlier medical facility and three personnel involved in collecting samples.
According to the NCDC, the identified contacts had been classified according to their exposure risks and placed under monitoring. None had tested positive for Ebola or developed symptoms as of the briefing.
Idris explained that public health teams would monitor the exposed individuals for 21 days after their last possible exposure, in line with established protocols for detecting and responding promptly to potential infections.
He also disclosed that approximately 12 public and private laboratories were available to conduct Ebola testing in Nigeria as authorities continued to strengthen the country’s diagnostic capacity.
The NCDC director-general urged healthcare facilities nationwide to reinforce screening, patient assessment and infection prevention measures.
He stressed the need to provide healthcare workers with adequate personal protective equipment and ensure the prompt reporting of suspected infections.
Idris further appealed to individuals contacted by public health officials to cooperate with investigators and provide accurate information about their movements, possible exposure and symptoms.
Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case in the current regional outbreak on October 20, 2026, after a woman with a recent travel history to Uganda tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of the virus in Abuja.
According to the World Health Organisation, the woman developed symptoms on October 7 and sought treatment at a private health facility on October 11 before laboratory tests confirmed the infection.
The initial contact-tracing exercise identified 44 people, but the figure subsequently increased to 53 as investigations expanded.
The Federal Government has maintained heightened surveillance while strengthening laboratory testing, isolation arrangements and infection prevention protocols.
Health authorities have urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, cooperate with public health officials and avoid spreading unverified information as investigations and monitoring continue.
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