The family of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who was sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has disagreed with the judgement.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday and signed by Emmanuel Kanu on behalf of the Okwu Kanu family.

According to the family, it was speaking “with heavy hearts but absolute clarity” regarding the court’s decision adding that they raised several legal points in court, including Section 36(12) of the Constitution, Supreme Court decisions on repealed laws, and previous directives related to earlier charges.

“No person shall be convicted unless the offence is defined in a written law in force at the time,” the family stressed.

“We have concerns about the application of transition or savings clauses and how they relate to this case.”

On the court’s reliance on a transition or savings clause, the family noted that it may not apply because, in their view, “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s matter was not pending.”

They added that the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him, a decision which they said terminated all charges.

The family argued further that the subsequent charges before Justice Omotosho initiated a new case, commencing de novo.

“A case that was terminated cannot be ‘saved’ by a transition clause,” they added.

They also raised concerns about fundamental rights guaranteed under Section 36 of the Constitution, noting that “the right to be tried only under laws in force, to be informed of the exact charges, and not to be convicted under repealed or non-existent laws cannot be overridden.”

The statement added, “No transition clause can override Section 36. No statute can override the Constitution. No judge can override the Supreme Court.”

In conclusion, the family called for the Constitution and established legal processes to be strictly adhered to noting that, “All proceedings should align with existing laws and procedures.”

Nnamdi Kani was sentenced to life imprisonment on counts one, two, four, five, and six, instead of the death penalty.

He also bagged a 20-year jail term on count three, with no option of fine, and a five-year jail term on count seven, with no option of fine.

He was convicted on all seven counts of terrorism.