IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu
Nnamdi Kanu’s Counsel: Stop Pleading for Release, He Has Committed No Crime
The legal counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Aloy Ejimakor, has insisted that there is no need for anyone to beg for his client’s release, as he has committed no crime.
In a statement titled Upholding the Rule of Law Is More Important to Me Than Anything Else, issued on Saturday, Ejimakor emphasized that Kanu’s release should be a matter of legal compliance rather than clemency or pardon.
Kanu acknowledged widespread appeals for his release but maintained that both a Federal High Court in Nigeria and international tribunals had declared his detention unlawful. He stressed that the government must respect these rulings and release him unconditionally.
“The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not a matter of mercy, pardon, executive clemency, or amnesty. It is simply about complying with the subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court, which declared his detention unconstitutional, as well as international tribunal rulings that separately deemed his detention unlawful,” Ejimakor said.
No Crime Committed, Says Kanu
Ejimakor reiterated Kanu’s position that no crime had been committed, urging supporters not to plead for his release.
“Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu insists that no one should beg on his behalf because he has committed no crime. Self-determination, which is the core issue misconstrued as a high crime, is an inalienable right recognized under Nigerian law, the United Nations, the United Kingdom, and Kenya,” the statement continued.
Ejimakor warned that calls for clemency could be misconstrued as an admission of guilt, emboldening authorities to continue what he described as unlawful prosecution.
“As well-meaning as those calling for pardon or clemency may be, such pleas could inadvertently be seen as approval for the executive or judiciary to violate the rule of law by continuing unjust prosecution,” he added.
Alternative Support Approach
Kanu urged his supporters to adopt the stance taken by groups such as Afenifere, Ohanaeze, the World Igbo Congress, and international organizations that maintain his innocence.
“Those seeking my release should adopt the tone and approach of Afenifere, Ohanaeze, the World Igbo Congress, ranking lawmakers, American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent, Ambassadors for Self-Determination, and others who assert that I have committed no offense and deserve to be released unconditionally,” Ejimakor emphasized.
He further criticized Nigeria’s executive branch for resorting to “extraordinary rendition,” describing it as a state crime under international law.
“If any pleading is necessary, it should be directed to the judiciary to handle my case and that of IPOB impartially, adhering strictly to the principles of rule of law and justice,” Kanu’s counsel added.
Political and Judicial Developments
Kanu expressed gratitude to those working towards peace and security in the South-East region.
Recently, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu joined calls for Kanu’s release, urging President Bola Tinubu to facilitate his freedom as a step toward restoring peace in the South-East.
Meanwhile, the IPOB leader is scheduled to appear before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday. This follows Kanu’s request to transfer his case to the South-East if no Abuja judge, apart from Justice Nyako, is willing to preside over it.
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