Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his weight behind the growing calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Atiku described Kanu’s continued detention as a serious dent on Nigeria’s commitment to justice and the rule of law.
In a post shared on his official X handle on Thursday, Atiku expressed strong support for the campaign initiated by rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, urging the Federal Government to either release Kanu or prosecute him in line with due process.
“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. Defying court orders that granted him bail is an abuse of power and an assault on justice,” Atiku stated. “I, therefore, lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by Yele Sowore for his immediate release or lawful prosecution. We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as another wound this nation refuses to heal.”
Sowore, in a separate statement on Wednesday, had called on South-East governors, legislators, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to join a nationwide movement demanding Kanu’s freedom. He disclosed that he had reached out to several prominent figures, including Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
According to Sowore, he also contacted Atiku’s team to brief him on the campaign, noting that the former vice president’s backing would lend moral strength to the movement. He revealed that while some of the leaders were yet to respond, others expressed willingness to engage further.
“This is not the time for hesitation,” Sowore wrote. “If we truly believe that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves justice, then every leader of conscience must act now, not later.”
Nnamdi Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services since 2021 following his controversial extradition from Kenya. Despite multiple court rulings, including an October 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that discharged and acquitted him of all charges and declared his extradition unlawful, the Federal Government has continued to detain him.
The IPOB leader is facing charges of terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement before the Federal High Court in Abuja, allegations he has repeatedly denied.
