Nnamdi Kanu: Malami Speaks on Pardon ahead of IPOB Leader's Resumed Trial
- The attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, said it is premature to pardon the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu
- Malami said in the Nigerian context, pardon only becomes an option when there is conviction, noting that Kanu has not been convicted
- Nevertheless, the justice minister said the possibility of pardoning the detained IPOB leader is not ruled out
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Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, has described as premature the possibility of pardoning Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Malami stated this on Wednesday, December 1, while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
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The AGF said:
“Pardon is a function of conviction in the Nigerian context and as far as I know, Nnamdi Kanu has not been convicted yet so the idea of pardoning him is premature."
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The minister reiterated that the trials associated with Kanu have not been concluded and as such, the pardon option cannot get on the table just yet.
Pardon not ruled out
Though Malami said pardoning Kanu is not on the table at the moment, he noted that he is not ruling the option out.
Reacting to a question regarding the IPOB leader’s pardon being an option for peace in the southeast, the AGF said he is yet to assess the security implications of such a decision.
Nonetheless, he said the best interest of the public would be a major consideration if the opportunity avails itself for a pardon to be given to the IPOB leader.
Nnamdi Kanu: I will consider your request - Buhari tells Igbo leaders
Meanwhile, Legit.ng notes that Malami’s comments come a few days after President Muhammadu Buhari promised to consider the request for an unconditional release of Kanu.
Kanu, who is currently standing trial for treason, is in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The president made the promise on Friday, November 19 while receiving a group under the aegis of Highly Respected Igbo Greats, led by First Republic parliamentarian and Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, at State House, Abuja.
Nnamdi Kanu: Trial of IPOB leader resumes Thursday
Meanwhile, the trial of the leader of IPOB, Kanu, will continue at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, December 2.
The lawyer to the IPOB leader, Alloy Ejimakor, confirmed this on Wednesday, December 1.
Ejimakor said part of what will be heard on Thursday is the application to grant Kanu bail.
Source: Legit.ng
