Osagie Obayuwana, former Attorney General of Edo State and the National President of Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has said the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu would be among one of the historical trials Nigeria would experience.
He made the assertion in Benin city while reacting to the arrest of Kanu.
He said all eyes were on the Nigerian government to see how Kanu’s case would go, claiming that issues around his dual citizenship should come to play during the trial.
“As we speak Kanu is innocent before the law not until proven otherwise. For people to start speculating that he enjoys dual citizenship and so for that reason, Britain should protest and demand his repatriation.
“We have had historical trials like this before now. Nelson Mandela was tried, Fedel Castro was also tried. Even in this country, Obafemi Awolowo and Anthony Enahoro were tried.
“Sentiments aside, he has been accused of specific offences, the stage should be prepared with credible evidence to prove otherwise.
While faulting those who said the arrest of the IPOB leader would further worsen the already tensed security situation of the country specifically in the east, the former Edo attorney general said if Kanu has any questions to answer, he should face it and be cleared for once while those who have what it takes to exonerate should be prepared to do so.
“The fragile security situation of the country is not an excuse not to proceed with his trials. Those who believe he is innocent and supporting his course should visit the venue for the trial. This very issue is supposed to be a public trial.
“Nelson Mandela had the opportunity to talk about what motivated him while he rebelled against the system that indicted him. Kanu should not be kept in prison custody for a long time than necessary.
“This is not a matter of media trial or media hype, a situation where all kinds of things are alleged against him in the media.
“The law requires proof beyond the reasonable doubt. If there are witnesses that are believable, credible they should be cross-examined he added.