IPOB urges the international community and Nigerian government to recognise its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as a prisoner of conscience, asserting his innocence amid accusations of judicial persecution and fabricated charges.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]POB Demands the immediate recognition of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as a “prisoner of conscience” by both the international community and the Nigerian government.
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The Indigenous People of Biafra insists that Kanu has no legitimate legal case to answer and is a victim of ongoing judicial persecution.
In a robust statement released on Saturday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB vehemently accused the Nigerian state of relentless legal harassment.
The group claims Kanu continues to be prosecuted on what it describes as “fabricated charges” of treasonable felony and terrorism.
IPOB emphasised that Kanu’s prolonged detention constitutes a grave human rights violation and casts a shadow over the credibility of the Nigerian judiciary.
“The treasonable felony charges were struck out years ago. No treason was committed. Instead, the Nigerian government has resorted to trumped-up terrorism charges,” the statement asserted.
The group highlighted a 2018 Federal High Court ruling that declared IPOB a lawful organisation. It further accused the then Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, of engaging in “forum shopping” to overturn this ruling without affording IPOB a fair hearing, a right enshrined in Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Describing the use of civil procedure to halt a criminal acquittal as an “unprecedented abuse,” IPOB heavily criticised the Court of Appeal panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani. The group labelled their handling of Kanu’s case a “judicial travesty.”
“We are not begging for mercy; we demand justice,” IPOB declared, arguing that the relentless pursuit of Kanu exposes the Nigerian judiciary as an “instrument of oppression.”
The group warned that this continued persecution could further tarnish Nigeria’s global image and deepen public mistrust in the rule of law.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is being detained solely for his advocacy for the self-determination of the Biafran people,” IPOB stated. “His courage, even in chains, speaks volumes about the legitimacy of our cause.”
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They concluded by urging Nigerians and global human rights institutions to investigate the case and hold the Nigerian government accountable.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
