Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has urged his supporters to refrain from pleading or begging for his release, asserting that his pursuit of self-determination is a constitutionally protected right and not a criminal offense.
Through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu emphasized that his release should be based on legal compliance with existing court orders, rather than requiring a presidential pardon or clemency.
In a statement, Ejimakor conveyed Kanu’s position: “Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu insists that no one should plead or beg on his behalf because he has committed no crime. Self-determination, which has been unjustly criminalized, is an inalienable right under Nigerian law, as well as international law including the United Nations, the United Kingdom, and Kenya. The wrongful criminalization of this right should not be legitimized by misguided calls for pardon or clemency. Releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not an act of mercy, but a matter of adhering to the rule of law.”
Kanu expressed appreciation to those advocating for peace in Igboland, but cautioned that appeals for pardon might unintentionally legitimize violations of his rights by the executive or judiciary. Ejimakor added, “Rather than begging, those seeking his release should follow the example set by groups like Afenifere, Ohaneze, the World Igbo Congress (WIC), senior members of the National Assembly, the American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), and other international organizations who have made it clear that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves to be released as he has committed no offense known to law.”
Criticizing the Nigerian government’s actions, Ejimakor stated, “It is the Nigerian government’s executive branch that should be held accountable for the extraordinary rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, an act that constitutes a state crime under both international and common law.”
Ejimakor reiterated that Kanu’s release is a matter of judicial compliance, not mercy or pardon. “The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not an act of mercy, pardon, or amnesty. It is a matter of following the Federal High Court ruling, which declared his detention unconstitutional, or complying with international tribunal decisions that deemed his detention unlawful. Alternatively, the Attorney-General of the Federation, under the President’s directive, can constitutionally discontinue the prosecution.”
Kanu remains hopeful that the issue will be resolved justly and lawfully, while continuing to support efforts for peace-building in Igboland.
