Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the continued detention of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as “an open sore on our nation’s conscience.”
Atiku urged the Federal Government to release Kanu immediately, stressing that his prolonged incarceration violates the rule of law and undermines Nigeria’s democratic values.
Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in Kenya and subsequent extradition to Nigeria in June 2021. His detention has sparked widespread controversy, with several court orders granting him bail yet to be obeyed by the prosecuting authorities.
The IPOB leader currently faces a seven-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism activities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Atiku criticised the government’s persistent defiance of court rulings, describing it as “an assault on justice.” He also expressed support for the campaign spearheaded by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, demanding Kanu’s release or prosecution in line with due process.
“The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains an open sore on our nation’s conscience and a stain on our belief in the rule of law,” Atiku said. “Defying court orders that granted him bail is an abuse of power and an assault on justice. I, therefore, lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by @YeleSowore for his immediate release or due prosecution. We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal.”
Meanwhile, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned Kanu’s trial on alleged terrorism charges to October 16, following the Nigerian Medical Association’s inability to submit its report on Kanu’s health status to the court.
What you should know
Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has long been an advocate for justice and constitutional governance.
His latest remarks add to mounting calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, a case that continues to test Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence.
