Court Awards Kanu N500m Damages, Orders His Return To Kenya

A Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia has awarded N500m as damages against the federal government in favour of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Justice Evelyn Anyadike, yesterday, sitting in the Abia State capital held that the government through its agents violated the fundamental rights of the leader both in the country and in Kenya.

She said the government violated theKanu right of the leader when it attacked his home in Isiama Afaraukwu, Umuahia and his extra ordinary rendition from Kenya without due procedure in June last year.

Anyadike, who ordered the government to return Kanu to Kenya, where he was picked by agents of the government, added that Kanu proved beyond doubt that he was tortured and maltreated by the agents.

Speaking to newsmen, special counsel for the IPOB, Alloy Ejimako, expressed delight over the judgement, adding that the judiciary has again shown its independence and hope for the aggrieved.

Ejimako noted that much as they welcome the financial aspect of the judgment, they were highly impressed with the pronouncement that the government erred in both actions and had been told so.

He said another positive dimension of the judgment was that the judiciary was gradually becoming more independent and delivering more quality judgement no matter whose ox is gored.