In a manner akin to a retribution, the president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has ordered the transfer of the 3 Justices who discharged and acquitted the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of 15 count of terrorism related charges, brought before it by the Federal Government.
The memo directing the transfer was issued on the 17th of October 2022, several weeks after the unprecedented judgment was rendered. It directed the affected justices to report with immediate effect at their new postings by the 21st of October 2022.
Justice Jummai Hannatu-Sankey who previously held sway at the Gombe division of the court was transfered to Awka. Justice Oludotun Adetope-Okojie, who delivered the lead judgement was moved to the Owerri division, while Justice Ebiowei Tobi was asked to proceed to Gombe.
The hasty transfers may not be unconnected to their recent judgment, discharging and acquitting the charismatic leader of IPOB, a judgement the federal government has already appealed at the Supreme court and is scheduled for hearing in the coming weeks.
