Chief Maxwell Opara, lawyer to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed strong confidence that the Court of Appeal will quash what he described as a judgment “predicated on anger and hatred,” insisting that the IPOB leader will eventually regain his freedom.
Opara, who disclosed this while departing Sokoto alongside Prince Emmanuel Kanu after visiting the detained agitator at the Medium Correctional Centre, said they spent two days with him and were reassured by his unwavering faith and composure despite the circumstances.
He said Kanu remains convinced that divine support is sustaining him, adding that the struggle for freedom naturally attracts intimidation, hostile court orders, envy, attacks from adversaries, and other forms of pressure meant to weaken resolve.
The lawyer warned supporters and the wider Igbo community not to be distracted by social media commentary or sponsored narratives circulating online. According to him, many of those speaking on the matter have neither participated in the trial nor accessed full documents, yet attempt to interpret complex proceedings superficially.
Opara urged everyone to remain calm, noting that since Thursday’s “embarrassing” judgment and Kanu’s subsequent transfer to Sokoto, the legal team had been unable to settle down to release a detailed account of what transpired in court due to pressing engagements.
He revealed that a comprehensive analysis of the entire trial would soon be made public, complete with certified records of proceedings, a full list of exhibits tendered but allegedly ignored, and motions filed but rejected by the presiding judge, despite being referenced in the final judgment.
According to him, these documents will help the public understand “how a judge left the issues before him, abandoned the testimony of the prosecution witness, and diverted to irrelevant matters,” including claims about Kanu representing himself.
Opara clarified that Kanu never dismissed his former legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi, contrary to speculations. He said the exit of the team was based on an internal understanding, adding that Kanu had instructed that no one should publicly comment on that issue.
He advised the public to always ask whether anyone commenting on the case has seen the certified record of proceedings, stressing that only documented facts—not social media chatter—can reveal what truly transpired during the trial.
Reaffirming his optimism, Opara concluded that the appellate court would “certainly set aside” the disputed judgment, insisting that justice will ultimately prevail and Kanu will be set free.
