A lawyer, Onyedikachi Ifedi, has criticised the conviction of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, describing the judgment as a serious challenge to Nigeria’s judiciary and legal system.

Ifedi, a member of the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Global Legal Consortium, made the remarks in Umuahia on Friday while expressing concern over the Nigerian government’s alleged failure to respond to Kanu’s appeal against his conviction.

The lawyer maintained the position of Kanu and his defence team that the conviction was based on a repealed law, arguing that the issue raises serious constitutional concerns.

According to Ifedi, the judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja could have far-reaching implications for the rule of law and the credibility of the judiciary.

He argued that a “savings clause” relied upon by the judge cannot replace an existing written law under which a person can be convicted.

Ifedi further alleged that the Federal Government was unwilling to engage with Kanu’s appeal because, according to him, it was aware that the conviction could not withstand legal scrutiny.

He said the appellate courts would ultimately have to determine whether to uphold, quash or otherwise address the conviction, warning that upholding the judgment could expose the judiciary, including the Supreme Court, to intense public and international scrutiny.

The lawyer also questioned whether the alleged legal irregularities surrounding the conviction resulted from judicial incompetence or deliberate wrongdoing.

He insisted that the Constitution requires a person to be convicted only under a written law that was in force at the time of the alleged offence.

Ifedi further argued that provisions relating to the continuation of proceedings under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (TPPA) should have been considered in determining the validity of the proceedings against Kanu.

Meanwhile, the Okwu-Kanu family on Wednesday called for the immediate hearing of Kanu’s appeal against his conviction.

The family disclosed that Kanu had written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the President of the Court of Appeal, requesting the immediate listing and hearing of his two pending cases.

It said the request followed what it described as prolonged delays in proceedings concerning Kanu’s continued detention, conviction and life sentence.

The family also alleged that the Federal Government had shown little willingness to engage with the appeal.