PRESS RELEASE: January 17, 2024
From: ALOY EJIMAKOR
RE: Supreme Court’s failure to release CTC of its judgment in Nnamdi Kanu’s case violates the Constitution
Today makes it Thirty-Three (33) days after the Supreme Court delivered the final judgment in the case of Federal Republic of Nigeria versus Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Following the delivery of said judgment on 15th December 2023, applications were filed for the release of Certified True Copies (CTC) of the Judgment and the enrolled Order. But to this day (33 days later), the Supreme Court is yet to comply.
Section 36 (7) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides that: “When any person is tried for any criminal offence, the court or tribunal shall keep a record of the proceedings and the accused person or any persons authorised by him in that behalf shall be entitled to obtain copies of the judgement in the case within seven days of the conclusion of the case.” It is a fundamental right and thus enforceable.
It will be recalled that the Supreme Court had, in the said judgment, ordered that the case be remitted to the Federal High Court for consideration of a trial.
To be sure, the Federal High Court cannot proceed with consideration of any trial without the certified judgment and enrolled order. Similarly, Kanu’s lawyers cannot proceed with his defense without the CTC of the said judgment and the order.
Signed:
Aloy Ejimakor, Esq.
Special Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu.