Nnamdi Kanu: “Nobody should beg the Nigerian Government for my release

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has firmly stated that no one should plead with the Nigerian government for his release, as he has committed no crime.

This declaration was made through his legal team, led by Aloy Ejimakor, who emphasized that Kanu’s freedom should not be treated as an act of mercy or pardon but rather as a matter of upholding the rule of law.

Kanu’s lawyers argue that the Federal High Court has already ruled his detention unconstitutional.

Additionally, international tribunals have deemed his arrest and extradition from Kenya illegal. Therefore, his continued detention, according to them, violates both Nigerian and international law.

Ejimakor highlighted that the Attorney-General of the Federation has the legal authority to discontinue the case against Kanu if directed by the President.

However, Kanu insists that his freedom should not be subject to political negotiations but rather a legal obligation.

Recently, Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, called on President Bola Tinubu to consider granting Kanu freedom as a way of promoting peace and stability in the South-East region.

Kalu commended the President’s commitment to South-East development, especially with the recent signing of the South-East Development Commission Bill. However, Kanu’s legal team has rejected any suggestion that his release should be seen as a political favor.

Kanu maintains that his detention is unjust and stems from the Nigerian government’s attempt to criminalize self-determination. He reiterated that self-determination is a fundamental right recognized.

Therefore, he believes that anyone advocating for his release through appeals for clemency is unintentionally reinforcing the false narrative that he has committed a crime.