Justice Benson Anya of the Federal High Court in Umuahia on Wednesday also ordered the government and the Army to apologize to Kanu for the illegal invasion of his house during Operation Python Dance II in September 2017.

The invasion of Kanu’s Afaraukwu youse in Abia State, according to the sitting judge, was “notorious and brazen.” In dealing with Kanu-related concerns, Justice Anya advised the government to pursue a political approach.

He, however, struck out other reliefs sought by Kanu’s legal team, including his repatriation from Kenya and continued detention by the DSS for lack of jurisdiction.

Reacting, Special Counsel to the IPOB leader, Aloy Ejimakor, said the judgement has proved that his client’s fundamental human rights were violated by the Army due to the invasion of his home.

He added that the ruling had proved that his client did not jump bail but only fled the country over threat to his life.

Ejimakaor, however, disclosed that the judgment means that the bench warrant against Kanu in Abuja court has to be vacated.

On the failure of the court to hear other reliefs such as Kanu’s repatriation from Kenya and continued detention by the DSS, Ejimakor said other options will be considered after careful study of the judgment.