Nigerians push back as Atiku, Sowore demand Kanu’s release

Nigerians are pushing back following fresh calls from two opposition figures, Atiku Abubakar and Omoyele Sowore, for the unconditional freedom of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Citizens across the country have denounced the demand as reckless, divisive, and capable of threatening national peace.

The controversy intensified after activist Sowore announced a planned peaceful march to Aso Rock on October 20, urging South-East leaders such as Peter Obi, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and Governor Alex Otti to join him.

He declared on social media, “Time for action is now. Let’s march to Aso Rock Villa.” Sowore framed the campaign as a stand for justice, claiming Kanu’s detention violates constitutional rights.

Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021 after his controversial extradition from Kenya.

He faces multiple charges of treasonable felony and terrorism, which he denies.

Despite a 2022 Court of Appeal ruling in his favour, the federal government’s appeal has prolonged his incarceration.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar added fuel to the debate on Thursday when he described Kanu’s continued detention as “an open sore on the nation’s conscience.”

He urged President Bola Tinubu to either release or swiftly prosecute Kanu, saying, “We fail as patriots if we allow this injustice to linger.”

The statements have provoked a fierce backlash nationwide.

Many Nigerians accuse the duo of disregarding due process and stoking ethnic sentiments for political gain.

On social media, users voiced anger and disbelief.

“Kanu committed a crime, he’s in court. Calling for his release is subversion of justice,” tweeted @69BigKanga, echoing a widely held view.

Kanu’s critics recall his incendiary remarks on Radio Biafra, where he labelled Nigeria a “zoo” and called for attacks on non-Igbo residents.

His broadcasts also urged destruction of property belonging to other ethnic groups and encouraged violent separatism, actions that led to IPOB’s proscription as a terrorist organisation in 2017.

Supporters of Atiku and Sowore, however, insist their demand is a call for fairness, not sympathy.

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They argue that prolonged detention without conclusion of trial contradicts constitutional rights.

Yet, even some within the Igbo community warn that unconditional release could reignite insecurity in the South-East, where IPOB-linked violence has caused severe economic and social disruptions.

Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.