The Court of Appeal in Abuja, has reserved ruling on an application filed by the Federal Government, seeking a stay of execution of its judgement delivered on the 13th of this month in a case with the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Justice Haruna Samani, leading a 3-man panel of Justices, reserved ruling on the application after counsel had adopted their written addresses.
The Court of Appeal Abuja had on October 13, quashed all the 15-count charge preferred against leader of the IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal Government.
The 3-man panel of the appellate court led by Justice Jummai Sankey, having dismissed all the charges, consequently discharged Mazi Kanu.
However, instead of obeying the order of the Court of Appeal, the DSS has continued to detain Kanu.
Before adopting the written address, Counsel to the Federal Government, David Kaswe informed the court that his application was brought essentially in the interest of justice and the need to preserve the relatively peace in the South East.
He asked the Court to grant the application, adding that Kanu is being held in the interest of national security.
On his part, Counsel to the Respondent applicant, Mike Ozekhome argued that the essence of the Federal Government’s application was for the appellate court to overrule itself, adding that there would be anarchy and chaos in the South East if they continue to detain Kanu.
Ozekhome therefore urged the court to refuse the application of the FG for being an abuse of court process, ‘a slap on the face of the court and an insult to the appellate court’.
After listening to the arguments of the counsels, Justice Samani said a date for ruling would be communicated to parties involved in the matter.
Reporting by Ifeoma Nwovu; Editing by Muzha Kucha