Human rights group calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s release

Three United States–based human rights and self-determination advocacy organizations have called for the unconditional release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. 

This was issued as they criticized President Bola Tinubu over his Independence Day remarks equating the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) with Boko Haram.

In a joint statement issued and signed by Advocates for Victims of Injustice and Discrimination (AVID) President, Dr Sylvester Onye on behalf of Rising Sun, and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday, they described the president’s comments as “reckless, prejudicial, and sub judice.”

According to the groups, Tinubu’s comparison of IPOB to Boko Haram was inappropriate, especially as IPOB’s legal appeal is still before the Supreme Court of Nigeria and its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, continues to face trial at the Federal High Court.

“This utterance is not only sub judice but also a blatant attempt to poison the atmosphere of justice and prejudice the outcome of the case.”

“Rather than fixating on IPOB—a non-violent self-determination movement—President Tinubu should direct his attention to violent armed groups who continue to displace communities and take lives across Nigeria,” the statement noted.

“We remind President Tinubu that no amount of intimidation can silence Mazi Nnamdi Kanu or diminish his popularity. On the contrary, every additional day of his detention only magnifies his stature,” the groups declared.

The advocacy groups urged the United States Congress and the U.S. Department of State to closely scrutinize Nigeria’s governance and ensure that democratic principles are upheld.

The group’s demanded the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, citing previous court rulings in his favour and to hold Nigerian leaders accountable for actions they say amount to “ethnic persecution under the guise of national security.”

“President Tinubu has only succeeded in proving one thing: the more he persecutes IPOB and detains Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the stronger and more popular both become. 

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