The document, issued by an Independent Legal Documentation Unit and addressed to the public, media, civil society organisations, and the legal community, provides a full compilation of all documented legal outcomes secured on behalf of Kanu and IPOB.
Purpose and Key Findings
According to the report, the purpose of the briefing is to formally document and highlight all judicial and quasi-judicial victories in the matter, asserting that Ejimakor has secured more favourable judgments, damages awards, declarations of illegality, interim measures, and landmark precedents than any other counsel involved.
It described his contributions as “defining milestones” in Nigerian constitutional and human rights jurisprudence, as well as at the African regional level, adding that despite alleged defiance of court orders by state authorities, the legal validity of the rulings remains intact.
Summary of Ejimakor’s Contributions
The report states that while several lawyers have represented Kanu at different stages, Ejimakor stands out both quantitatively and qualitatively.
It notes that he has personally initiated and won six major favourable outcomes, comprising:
- Three landmark domestic judgments with cumulative damages of ₦9.5 billion
- One key regional African interim measure
- Two international advocacy successes
The report adds that no other counsel has secured comparable rulings on critical issues such as the military invasion of Kanu’s residence, extraordinary rendition, the proscription of IPOB, and alleged persecution through arrest and prosecution.
Chronological Record of Landmark Victories
Abia State High Court, Umuahia – January 19, 2022
At the Abia State High Court, Justice Benson Anya ruled on a fundamental rights enforcement suit relating to the September 10, 2017 military invasion of Kanu’s ancestral home during Operation Python Dance II.
- The court declared the operation unlawful and a gross violation of fundamental rights
- Awarded ₦1 billion in damages (with reports also indicating an order for apology)
- Recognised as the first judicial condemnation of Operation Python Dance II
- Case led by Ejimakor
Federal High Court, Umuahia Division – October 2022
At the Federal High Court Nigeria, Justice Evelyn Anyadike ruled on the extraordinary rendition of Kanu from Kenya in June 2021.
- Rendition declared unlawful
- ₦500 million damages awarded
- Federal Government ordered to restore Kanu to his pre-rendition status and cease prosecution on that basis
- Described as one of the strongest judicial rebukes of extraordinary rendition in Nigerian jurisprudence
- Case led by Ejimakor
Federal High Court, Enugu – October 2023
At the Federal High Court Nigeria, Justice A.O. Onovo delivered judgment on the proscription of IPOB.
- Proscription declared unconstitutional and illegal
- Federal Government and South-East Governors’ Forum ordered to pay ₦8 billion compensation
- Marked the first judicial declaration affirming IPOB’s rights to self-determination and freedom of association
- Case led by Ejimakor
Regional African Intervention
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights – March 8, 2018
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights issued interim/provisional measures following a petition filed by Ejimakor on December 14, 2017.
- Declared actions of the Nigerian Government, including IPOB’s proscription and Kanu’s arrest and prosecution, as violations of the African Charter
- Issued a “cease and desist” directive to then-President Muhammadu Buhari to halt further persecution, arrests, and prosecutions
- Intended to prevent irreparable injury to Kanu and IPOB
- Described as a rare regional ruling directly restraining a sitting Nigerian Head of State
- Petition filed by Ejimakor as special counsel
International Advocacy Outcomes
United Nations Special Rapporteur Reports (2017–2018)
Communications involving Agnes Callamard, then UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, examined alleged violations during Operation Python Dance II.
- Nigerian security forces’ actions criticised at the highest UN level
- Advocacy led by Ejimakor
United Nations Reports (2021–2022)
Further reports following Kanu’s rendition addressed issues of arbitrary detention and international law violations.
- Additional international condemnation of Nigerian actions
- Advocacy led by Ejimakor
Contributions of Other Counsel
The report also acknowledged the roles of other lawyers in Kanu’s legal battles:
- Ifeanyi Ejiofor secured bail in 2017 before Justice Binta Nyako
- Mike Ozekhome obtained a Court of Appeal discharge and acquittal on October 13, 2022
- Barristers Egbule, Vincent Obetta, and Agim SAN secured early release orders in 2015 (later defied)
- Patrick Lumumba led proceedings at the Kenya High Court, where Justice E.C. Mwita on June 24, 2025 declared Kanu’s abduction, detention, torture, and rendition unlawful, awarding KSh 10 million (approximately ₦110–122 million) in damages against the Kenyan government and criticising Nigerian involvement
- Bruce Fein advised on a United Nations Working Group opinion in 2022
While describing these contributions as significant, the report maintained that none matched the scale or number of victories attributed to Ejimakor.
Defiance of Court Orders and Legal Significance
The briefing noted that many of the rulings, including those awarding a total of ₦9.5 billion in damages in Ejimakor-led cases, have allegedly been ignored or not fully implemented by government authorities.
However, it stressed that:
- The decisions remain binding judicial precedents
- They constitute authoritative regional and international legal positions
- They reinforce the supremacy of the rule of law over executive actions
It added that Ejimakor’s persistence despite such challenges has contributed to strengthening constitutional democracy and human rights protections in Nigeria and across Africa.
Call for Recognition
The report concluded by urging the Nigerian legal community, civil society, media, and international human rights institutions to recognise and celebrate Ejimakor’s role.
It described him as a leading figure in the defence of Kanu and IPOB, noting that his record of landmark victories, including major damages awards, regional rulings, and international advocacy outcomes, represents a significant contribution to human rights law and the rule of law in Nigeria and beyond.
Prepared by: Independent Legal Documentation Unit
For Public Dissemination
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