Monday, February 10, 2025 - Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has called on his supporters to refrain from begging for his release, asserting that his quest for self-determination is a constitutionally protected right and not a criminal offense.
Speaking through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu emphasized that his
release is a matter of legal compliance with existing court orders, not an act
requiring presidential pardon or clemency.
In a press statement, Ejimakor conveyed Kanu’s stance: “Onyendu Mazi
Nnamdi Kanu is adamant that nobody should plead or beg anybody on his behalf
because he has committed no crime. Self-determination, which is the real issue
that got twisted to suddenly become a high crime, is an inalienable right
guaranteed under Nigerian law, the United Nations, the United Kingdom, and
Kenya. The perverse and unlawful criminalization of this right should not be
encouraged through misguided appeals for pardon or clemency. Releasing Mazi
Nnamdi Kanu is not an act of mercy but a matter of abiding by the rule of law.”
Kanu expressed gratitude to those advocating for peace in Igboland while
cautioning that appeals for pardon might inadvertently legitimize the executive
or judicial violations of his rights. Ejimakor added, “Instead of begging,
those desiring his release should emulate the language and tact used by groups
like Afenifere, Ohaneze, the World Igbo Congress (WIC), ranking members of the
National Assembly, the American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), and
other international bodies who have made it clear that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
deserves to be released because he has committed no offense known to law.”
Criticizing the Nigerian government’s approach to the matter, Ejimakor
stated, “It is Nigeria’s executive branch, which extraordinarily renditioned
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, that should show contrition for resorting to this state crime
under international and common law.”
Ejimakor reiterated that Kanu’s release is a matter of judicial
compliance, stating, “The matter of releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not an act of
mercy, pardon, or amnesty. It requires simple compliance with the Federal High
Court judgment that declared his detention unconstitutional or adherence to
international tribunal decisions that separately declared his detention
unlawful. Alternatively, the Attorney-General of the Federation, under the
directive of the President, can constitutionally discontinue the prosecution.”
Kanu remains hopeful for a resolution rooted in justice and lawful
governance while expressing continued support for peace-building efforts in
Igboland.
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