The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is still being held in detention in violation of court orders to be released. The Vanguard claims that IPOB views him as a prisoner of conscience who has been unlawfully held by the Nigerian government since his remarkable extradition from Kenya in June 2021.
Kanu’s refusal to make concessions on Biafra is the reason for his prolonged arrest. Through Kanu’s persecution, the Nigerian government has demonstrated its ethnic hate toward the Ndigbo people, even though he has broken no local or international law.
The Nigerian Appeals Court cleared and discharged Kanu in October 2022, but the government would not let him leave. The UN Committee on Arbitrary arrest demanded Kanu’s unconditional release and denounced his kidnapping and arrest.
The rule of law, the public and national interest, the security situation, and foreign diplomacy were the four justifications given by Attorney General Abubakar Malami for not releasing Kanu. Malami also voiced worries about Kanu’s propensity for inciting violence and his history of breaching bail.
Some organizations have rejected requests for Kanu’s release, sparking controversy surrounding his confinement. The IPOB has not wavered in its demand for a referendum or in its refusal to give up on the Biafra movement.
