American Veterans Concerned About Kanu’s Trial

The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has expressed concern over the ongoing trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its president, Chief Dr. Sylvester Onyia, the group said it was worried about what it described as “continuing constitutional and judicial inconsistencies” in the handling of Kanu’s case.

AVID said its position was based on its interpretation of relevant constitutional provisions and Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.
“Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) is clear under Section 36(12) that no person shall be tried for any criminal offence unless that offence and its penalty are defined in a written law,” the group stated.

“This is a cornerstone of due process and a measure of any nation’s commitment to justice.”The group noted that Kanu’s ongoing prosecution was still anchored on the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013, which it said had been replaced by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

AVID urged the court to take judicial notice of the repeal of the 2013 law, saying the 2022 Act provides the current legal framework for terrorism-related offences in Nigeria.

It also appealed for a review of jurisdictional and procedural matters raised by Kanu’s defence team, noting that such issues are “fundamental to ensuring fair hearing.”

The veterans’ group called on Nigeria’s legal and judicial institutions — including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the National Judicial Council (NJC) — to remain vigilant in upholding constitutional safeguards.

“We urge the relevant legal and judicial bodies to ensure that due process and the constitutional right to fair hearing, as guaranteed under Section 36(1), are fully observed in this case,” the statement added.

AVID further called on international human rights bodies — including the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the U.S. Department of State, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) — to monitor the proceedings in line with global human rights standards.

“Our concern is to ensure that Nigeria continues to demonstrate full commitment to the rule of law and international obligations regarding fair trial,” the group said.