“Kanu’s case now surpasses a legal one ,but political”
The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) have renewed its appeal for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra,IPOB.
Kanu is currently held in the custody of the Department of State Service,DSS.
AVID argues that Kanu’s case has evolved from a judicial matter to a political one, asserting that his release now falls within the executive powers of the President.
The group conveyed this message in an open letter to President Tinubu, dated February 26, signed by AVID’s President, Dr. Sylvester Onyia, and Secretary, Dr. Godson Obiagwu.
The letter cites a Federal High Court ruling from October 26, 2022, which declared Kanu’s arrest and detention in Kenya, his continued detention in Abuja, and the treatment he received as violations of his fundamental rights.
AVID contends that the Nigerian government is obligated to release Kanu based on Section 287(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates the enforcement of Federal High Court decisions.
In December 2023, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, while remitting Kanu’s case to the Federal High Court for trial, criticized his initial detention. The court stated that Kanu’s flight from the country was a reasonable response to the illegal invasion of his home by heavily armed military officers.
On January 19, 2022, the High Court of Abia ruled in favour of Kanu, acknowledging the military invasion of his residence in September 2017.
The court found that Kanu had proven the violation of his fundamental rights and that the government had not shown justification for its actions.
AVID emphasizes that Kanu’s case has transitioned from a legal issue to a political one, falling within President Tinubu’s executive prerogatives. The group urges the President to order Kanu’s immediate release, either by restoring his unlawfully revoked bail or by discontinuing his prosecution.
