U.S Government Criticizes Unjust Arrests of Emefiele, Nnamdi Kanu

The United States has voiced concerns over the handling of arrests and judicial procedures in Nigeria, focusing on the cases of Godwin Emefiele, the former Central Bank governor, and Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

According to the “2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria” published by the U.S. Department of State, there are significant issues regarding lengthy pre-trial detentions and denials of court access, which complicate the Nigerian judicial system.

The report criticizes the non-adherence to due process in corruption cases, where suspects are often arrested without proper warrants. Specifically, Emefiele was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) ostensibly for investigation, and despite being granted bail by a Lagos Federal High Court, faced another arrest attempt in a controversial confrontation between DSS agents and Nigerian Correctional Service officers.

Nnamdi Kanu, identified as a leader of the government-labeled terrorist group IPOB, was detained under national security charges. Despite an Abuja appeal court dismissing all charges against him and ordering his release, the federal government’s appeal resulted in the Supreme Court reinstating terrorism charges against him amidst acknowledged rights violations during his arrest and extradition. Kanu remained imprisoned at the close of the year.

The U.S. report also points to broader challenges within Nigeria’s judicial system, such as a lack of judges, trial backlogs, corruption, bureaucratic delays, and political interference, all of which exacerbate delays in legal proceedings. Notable logistical issues include inadequate transportation for detainees to court and frequent misplacement of case files.