World Igbo Congress: Prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu deepens divisions

The World Igbo Congress (WIC), a sociopolitical organisation, has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider a political solution to the Nnamdi Kanu saga.

Kanu, who is the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), has been in custody since he was extradited to Nigeria in 2021. 

He is currently facing terrorism charges filed against him at the federal high court.

In a letter addressed to Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, and members of the national assembly, the group said Kanu’s “prolonged” detention is an “injustice”.

The letter was shared with TheCable by Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s counsel. 

“Today, World Igbo Congress writes you to discuss a matter of grave concern, a scenario that tests the very foundations of our beliefs in fairness, justice, and the rule of law,” the letter reads.

“The case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not just an isolated incident but a reflection of a larger, more systemic issue that confronts not only Nigeria but nations worldwide — the struggle for self-determination and the response it provokes from the state apparatus.

“In the heart of this discourse is a man who dared to voice the aspirations of his people, aspirations for self-determination, a principle enshrined in the Geneva Convention and recognized as a fundamental human right.

“Yet, his pursuit of this cause has led him down a path of extraordinary rendition, prolonged detention, and a trial that has become emblematic of judicial prejudice and the denial of fundamental human rights.

“The trial of Nnamdi Kanu has raised profound concerns regarding the adherence to the principles of a fair trial, the equality of arms, and the right of a defendant to prepare an adequate defence.

“The Supreme Court itself has highlighted these as indispensable elements of justice. Yet, in Kanu’s case, these principles have been conspicuously disregarded.

“The stark proclamation by a High Court that ‘the defendant cannot dictate to the Court on how to conduct the trial’ underscores a dismissal not just of a man’s rights but of the judiciary’s duty to fairness and impartiality.”

APPEAL FOR POLITICAL SOLUTION

The group asked the president to consider a political solution to Kanu’s detention. 

“In the light of these transgressions against justice and fairness, we are compelled to advocate for a political solution — a solution that transcends the narrow confines of legal battles and ventures into the broader realm of human compassion, national unity, and the acknowledgement of the peoples’ right to self-determination,” the group said.

“Such a solution recognizes that the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu serves no constructive purpose but only deepens the divisions within our society.

“It acknowledges that true peace and progress stem from dialogue, understanding, and respect for human rights, including the right to self-determination.”

The congress said the government should explore “justice and reconciliation” in Kanu’s case and should honour the rulings of courts “which have declared his detention a violation of his fundamental human rights”.