Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), describing his continued detention as “an open sore on the conscience of the nation.”
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his arrest and extradition from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021. Despite multiple court rulings granting him bail, the authorities have yet to comply, sparking widespread criticism and renewed calls for his freedom.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Thursday, condemned what he termed the government’s persistent defiance of judicial orders, saying such actions undermine the principles of justice and the rule of law.
“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.”
The former Vice President expressed full support for the ongoing campaign spearheaded by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, calling for Kanu’s immediate release or proper prosecution in accordance with due process.
“I, therefore, lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by @YeleSowore for his immediate release or due prosecution,” Atiku stated. “We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal.”
Kanu currently faces a seven-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism-related activities.
Meanwhile, proceedings in his ongoing trial were on Wednesday adjourned by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to October 16. The adjournment followed the Nigerian Medical Association’s failure to submit a report on Kanu’s health status as requested by the court.
