South-East youth leaders declare support for a peaceful protest demanding Nnamdi Kanu’s release from DSS detention

Nnamdi Kanu has gained renewed support from the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), which has declared its readiness to organise a peaceful protest demanding his immediate release from the custody of the Department of State Services.

Also read: Falana Says Nnamdi Kanu Trial Should Be Resolved Politically

The socio-political youth organisation, representing young voices across the South-East, announced its position through its President General, Goodluck Ibem, on Sunday.

Ibem said the group’s planned demonstration would be a show of solidarity with other stakeholders and activists calling for justice and the freedom of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader.

The statement came amid reports that activist Omoyele Sowore had urged South-East governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to join the campaign for Kanu’s release.

Sowore reportedly reached out to several prominent Igbo figures including Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Governor Alex Otti,

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Peter Obi as well as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar**, seeking broad national backing for the movement.

Ibem accused the Federal Government of double standards in handling national security and human rights issues.

He alleged that while negotiations had taken place with terrorist leaders in the North some responsible for widespread destruction and loss of lives Kanu continued to languish in detention despite his deteriorating health.

“This inequity raises serious questions about the motives behind his continued detention,” Ibem said. “We believe his incarceration is not only a legal issue but also symbolic of the systemic injustices faced by the Igbo people.

It undermines our collective efforts toward peace, unity, and dialogue.”

He stressed that the forthcoming protest would remain peaceful but firm in its message. “As youth leaders from the South-East, we are committed to advocating for justice and equality,” Ibem added.

“We call upon all our members, allies, and the general public to join us in amplifying our voices for Kanu’s release. This is a noble cause rooted in fairness and humanity.”

Also read: Atiku Abubakar demands immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu

The group maintained that Kanu’s freedom would help rebuild trust and foster genuine dialogue toward resolving long-standing grievances in the region.