The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a strong appeal for the unconditional release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, citing his worsening health condition. The group warns of serious repercussions if the Federal Government continues to ignore court orders for Kanu’s release.
In a statement released on Wednesday by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the organization accused the Federal Government of intentionally provoking IPOB by detaining Kanu despite numerous court orders demanding his freedom.
“The global family of IPOB calls for the immediate release of our leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from DSS solitary confinement due to his deteriorating health. The Federal Government is provoking IPOB by ignoring both Nigerian and international court orders for his release,” the statement said.
The statement highlighted concerns about Kanu’s health and the ongoing defiance of court orders. IPOB reiterated that prominent figures, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, and members of the National Assembly, have called for Kanu’s release, but their pleas have been ignored.
“Despite appeals from notable Nigerians, including religious and traditional leaders, the Federal Government has refused to release Kanu. This administration has dropped similar charges against other activists, yet continues to detain Kanu unjustly,” Powerful noted.
IPOB criticized President Bola Tinubu’s government for its selective justice, contrasting Kanu’s case with the release of other activists without court orders. The group stressed that Kanu’s continued detention is a deliberate provocation against IPOB and the Igbo community.
“Kanu is seriously ill and must be released immediately to receive proper medical treatment. His ongoing detention in DSS solitary confinement poses a significant risk to his life,” the statement warned.
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IPOB called on President Tinubu to act swiftly to prevent any tragic outcome, emphasizing the group’s commitment to non-violence in their struggle for Biafra’s self-determination.
“Kanu has been in solitary confinement for over three years without being found guilty by any court. The Nigerian government must end this persecution and release him. As John F. Kennedy said, ‘Those who make peaceful change impossible will make violent change inevitable,'” IPOB concluded.
Nnamdi Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services since his extradition from Kenya in 2021. IPOB’s urgent plea underscores the critical need for his release to address his health concerns and uphold justice.
