The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has stated that no one should plead with the Nigerian government for his release, as he has committed no crime.
This clarification was made in a statement by his lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, who emphasized that Kanu’s release should not be seen as an act of mercy or pardon but as a matter of adhering to the rule of law.
Recently, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant Kanu freedom out of compassion. Kalu made this plea after the inaugural meeting of the House Committee on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
The deputy speaker commended President Tinubu for his efforts in fostering peace and development in the South-East, citing his prompt assent to the South-East Development Commission Bill, which had failed to pass in previous assemblies.
However, Kanu’s legal team has reiterated that both the Federal High Court and international tribunal rulings have declared his detention illegal. Ejimakor stressed that releasing Kanu is not a matter of presidential discretion but a legal obligation.
Kanu also maintained that his incarceration is a deliberate attempt by the Nigerian government to criminalize his right to self-determination, a right protected under Nigerian law and international treaties.
His lawyer stated:
“During my visit with Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu yesterday, he made it clear that while he deeply appreciates the ongoing efforts by well-meaning individuals and groups to secure his release, he has instructed his legal team to clarify the following points:
- The call for his release should not be mistaken for a plea for mercy or amnesty. His continued detention violates a valid Federal High Court judgment and international tribunal rulings. Alternatively, the Attorney-General, upon the President’s directive, has the constitutional power to discontinue the prosecution against him.
- Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu insists that no one should beg on his behalf because he has committed no crime. The right to self-determination, which has been misrepresented as a criminal act, is a fundamental right recognized by Nigerian law, the United Nations, the United Kingdom, and Kenya. Appealing for pardon or clemency only legitimizes this wrongful criminalization.
- While those calling for his release are sincere, their approach must not give the impression that the executive branch or the judiciary has the authority to ignore the rule of law and subject him to an unfair prosecution.
- Instead of begging, supporters should adopt the approach used by groups such as Afenifere, Ohaneze, the World Igbo Congress (WIC), ranking members of the National Assembly, American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), and international organizations. These groups have consistently argued that Kanu deserves release because he has committed no legally recognized offence. The Nigerian government, which engaged in extraordinary rendition—a recognized state crime—should be the one showing remorse. If any pleading is necessary, it should be directed at the courts to ensure impartiality and adherence to the rule of law.
- Above all, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu expresses his sincere gratitude to everyone working tirelessly to restore peace, security, and stability in Igboland.”
For more updates, join our WhatsApp channel:
Chronicles Reporters WhatsApp Channel