Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has cautioned against appeals for his release, maintaining that he has committed no crime and should not be treated as someone in need of pardon or clemency.
Gists9ja reports that Kanu’s stance was conveyed through his legal counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, who released a statement on Saturday following recent calls by South East leaders urging President Bola Tinubu to facilitate his freedom. Among those advocating for his release are Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and other lawmakers from the region.
Kanu Rejects Mercy Appeals, Calls for Rule of Law
According to Ejimakor, Kanu expressed displeasure over appeals that frame his release as an act of mercy rather than a legal obligation based on multiple court rulings.
“During my visit with Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu yesterday, he made it abundantly clear that while he deeply appreciates the efforts and widespread calls for his release, he firmly instructed his legal team to issue the following clarifications,” Ejimakor’s statement read.
Kanu reiterated that his detention has already been declared unlawful by both Nigerian and international courts, emphasizing that his release should not be dependent on executive discretion but on adherence to the rule of law.
“The matter of releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not an act of mercy, pardon, executive clemency, or even amnesty. Instead, it should be an act of complying with the existing Federal High Court judgment that declared his detention unconstitutional, or the international tribunal rulings that separately found his detention unlawful.”
Condemns Criminalization of Self-Determination
Kanu further criticized the framing of his case, asserting that his advocacy for self-determination—which led to his prosecution—is a fundamental right protected under Nigerian law, as well as international treaties upheld by the United Nations, the United Kingdom, and Kenya.
“Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is adamant that nobody should plead or beg anybody on his behalf because he has committed no crime. Self-determination, which is the real issue that got twisted to suddenly become a high crime, is an inalienable right under the laws of Nigeria and international statutes.”
He warned that appeals for pardon could unintentionally legitimize his continued detention, making it appear as though he had committed an offense requiring clemency. Instead, he urged supporters and stakeholders to focus on advocating for the enforcement of court rulings that have already favored his release.
Calls for Government Accountability
Ejimakor’s statement also underscored that it is the Nigerian government—not Kanu—who should be showing contrition for his extraordinary rendition, an act that violates both international law and common law principles.
“If truth be told, it is Nigeria’s executive branch, which extraordinarily renditioned Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, that should show contrition for resorting to such an illegal act. Extraordinary rendition is a state crime under international law.”
Appreciates Efforts for Peace in the South East
Despite his firm stance, Kanu expressed gratitude to individuals and organizations working to restore peace and stability in the South East.
“Most importantly, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu sincerely thanks everyone working assiduously towards the restoration of security, tranquility, and good order in his beloved Igboland.”
What’s Next?
With Kanu’s legal team maintaining that his detention is unlawful, the focus now shifts to whether the Nigerian government will comply with court decisions or continue with his prosecution. Meanwhile, supporters and political figures face the challenge of pushing for his release without presenting it as an act of executive mercy—a framing Kanu strongly opposes.
As the debate over his fate continues, his case remains a significant test of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and international human rights obligations.
