Sowore Urges AGF to Drop Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial, Calls It a “Sham” and a Stain on Justice

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on the Federal Government to discontinue the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), describing the case as a “sham” that continues to embarrass Nigeria’s justice system.

In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Sowore said the current proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja present the government with its best opportunity to “end the charade once and for all.”

He criticised the continued prosecution of Kanu, alleging that the process has been tainted by “politics, prejudice, and suppression” rather than guided by justice. According to him, the case lost all credibility after Kanu’s “illegal and extraordinary rendition from Kenya,” which he said further tarnished Nigeria’s image before the international community.

“The Attorney-General of the Federation still has a few hours today to do the right thing,” Sowore wrote, urging the government to file a nolle prosequi — a legal motion to formally withdraw the case. He noted that doing so would demonstrate the administration’s respect for fairness and the rule of law.

Sowore also appealed to Justice James Omotosho, who is presiding over the matter, to “stand on the side of truth and humanity” by striking out the charges completely. He argued that such a move would not only restore dignity to the judiciary but also spare the government of President Bola Tinubu from “further embarrassment” over a matter that has lingered unnecessarily.

According to Sowore, discontinuing the case would mark a bold step toward rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s legal system and closing what he described as “a disgraceful chapter that has dragged on for far too long.”