BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East geopolitical zone, has expressed shock and disappointment by the life imprisonment sentence handed down to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to them, “We firmly state that the judgment is not rooted in justice, legal facts, or due process — it is an open display of personal vendetta, emotion, and judicial bias.”
This was made known through a statement made available to newsmen by the President General of COSEYL, Comrade Goodluck Ibem.
“From all observations, the presiding judge appeared emotionally aggrieved, believing that Nnamdi Kanu had “insulted” him — and in retaliation, issued a sentence to prove his personal authority, not the supremacy of the law. Such conduct is unbecoming of a judicial officer and raises serious questions about the integrity and neutrality of the court.
“We note with grave concern that the judge rejected all submissions made by Mazi Kanu and ignored vital constitutional issues raised by the defense.
“There was no credible investigation report or evidence presented to justify a life sentence. Critical issues of extraordinary rendition, human rights violations, and lack of fair trial guarantees were conveniently ignored.
The group submitted that the entire process appeared designed to silence Kanu by all means necessary, rather than provide a fair and impartial legal resolution.
“We assert that this judgment is a charade and a blatant travesty of justice. It does not represent the law, but rather the ego of a judge misusing his powers to settle scores.
“We therefore call on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team to immediately file an appeal against this grave miscarriage of justice.
“We demand that the National Judicial Council (NJC) review the conduct of Justice James Omotosho for possible ethical violations.
“We urge the Federal Government to return to the path of dialogue and political resolution, not judicial persecution.
“We reaffirm our stand for peace, equity, and justice — but insist that no peace can stand on the foundation of injustice.
“COSEYL stands with all Igbo youths and Nigerians who believe in the rule of law, not the rule of personal bitterness. This injustice will not stand the test of time.”
