The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Azuta-Mbata, has called on the federal government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in detention since 2021. Azuta-Mbata emphasized the need for Kanu’s release to enable him to access appropriate medical care, citing the importance of ensuring his safety and welfare.
Kanu was initially arrested in 2015 on charges of treasonable felony and later skipped bail in 2017, fleeing the country. He was rearrested in Kenya in June 2021 through an operation by Nigerian security agents and has since been held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Azuta-Mbata’s appeal for Kanu’s release was made in a video message circulated to journalists on Thursday.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide leader urged the federal government to explore a political solution to Kanu’s detention, stating that the country has nothing to gain by keeping him behind bars. He noted that the government should prioritize Kanu’s access to medical treatment, adding that his continued detention does not serve any significant advantage to the government.
The call for Kanu’s release comes amid concerns over his health and welfare while in detention. Azuta-Mbata’s appeal highlights the need for a peaceful resolution to the situation, emphasizing the importance of adopting a political solution to address the issues surrounding Kanu’s detention. The federal government’s response to this appeal remains to be seen, as the situation continues to attract attention both domestically and internationally.
The case of Nnamdi Kanu has been a subject of controversy and debate, with many calling for his release and others advocating for his prosecution. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been a prominent separatist movement in Nigeria, advocating for the independence of the Igbo people. The Nigerian government’s handling of the situation has been closely watched, with many urging for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the crisis. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the federal government will respond to Azuta-Mbata’s appeal and the ongoing calls for Kanu’s release.
