The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to withdraw its case against their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and release him unconditionally. In a statement issued by the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, they accused the government of ethnic bias and political persecution against Kanu and the Igbo people.
IPOB described Kanu’s ongoing trial as a form of “kangaroo persecution” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The statement emphasized that Kanu’s continued legal battles are not just unlawful but also violate international law, particularly regarding his abduction and extradition from Kenya to Nigeria.
The statement read: “We view the continued kangaroo persecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as ethnic persecution. The continuous illegal court trial of Kanu is political and ethnic persecution by the Tinubu-led government, despite the subsisting Court of Appeal judgment that discharged him.”
IPOB highlighted that the Nigerian government lacks the legal grounds to prosecute Kanu given the existing court rulings in his favor. They argued that his continued detention is a violation of both domestic and international law, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s condemnation of his abduction from Kenya.
The group asserted that as long as they are concerned, Kanu is being unlawfully detained for his peaceful advocacy for Biafra’s self-determination, in accordance with international laws. They also reiterated that Kanu has not committed any crime under local or international law, a position supported by the Court of Appeal, which dismissed all charges against him and ordered his unconditional release and compensation.
IPOB is calling for international awareness regarding Kanu’s situation, seeking support from the public and the global community to highlight what they perceive as injustices against him and the Biafra movement.