Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has called on his supporters to refrain from begging for his release, asserting that his quest for self-determination is a constitutionally protected right and not a criminal offense.
Speaking through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu emphasized that his release is a matter of legal compliance with existing court orders, not an act requiring presidential pardon or clemency.
In a press statement, Ejimakor conveyed Kanu’s stance: “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 guaranteed under Nigerian law, the United Nations, the United Kingdom, and Kenya. The perverse and unlawful criminalization of this right should not be encouraged through misguided appeals for pardon or clemency. Releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not an act of mercy but a matter of abiding by the rule of law.”
Kanu expressed gratitude to those advocating for peace in Igboland while cautioning that appeals for pardon might inadvertently legitimize the executive or judicial violations of his rights. Ejimakor added, “Instead of begging, those desiring his release should emulate the language and tact used by groups like Afenifere, Ohaneze, the World Igbo Congress (WIC), ranking members of the National Assembly, the American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), and other international bodies who have made it clear that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves to be released because he has committed no offense known to law.”
Criticizing the Nigerian government’s approach to the matter, Ejimakor stated, “It is Nigeria’s executive branch, which extraordinarily renditioned Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, that should show contrition for resorting to this state crime under international and common law.”
Ejimakor reiterated that Kanu’s release is a matter of judicial compliance, stating, “The matter of releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not an act of mercy, pardon, or amnesty. It requires simple compliance with the Federal High Court judgment that declared his detention unconstitutional or adherence to international tribunal decisions that separately declared his detention unlawful. Alternatively, the Attorney-General of the Federation, under the directive of the President, can constitutionally discontinue the prosecution.”
Kanu remains hopeful for a resolution rooted in justice and lawful governance while expressing continued support for peace-building efforts in Igboland.