As Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), continues to languish in the detention of the Department of State Services, the demand for his immediate release owing to his alleged poor health condition has thickened.
Nnamdi Kanu, who founded Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) in London, has been in detention following his controversial rendition to Nigeria in 2021.
Recall that Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team applied for the transfer of the detained IPOB leader from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody to the National Hospital, Abuja, citing alleged poor medical care and deteriorating health.
Justice James Omotosho had, in a ruling on September 26, ordered the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to assess the health status of the detained leader of the proscribed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The NMA panel comprised seven doctors from various specialties who were tasked with the duty of assessing Kanu’s health condition and determining whether the DSS medical facility is well equipped to cater for his medical needs.
The prosecuting lawyer, Suraj Sa’ada (SAN), on October 8 told the court that the medical panel was yet to conclude its assignment.
He also stated that the panel intends to perform a thorough job and should be given ample time, implying that another week should be provided to the panel.
Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), the defense lawyer, agreed to the one-week adjournment sought by the prosecuting lawyer. Justice Omotosho, in the absence of opposing arguments, adjourned the case till October 16.
DEMANDS FOR RELEASE OF DETAINED IPOB LEADER, NNAMDI KANU THICKEN
However, demands for his release thicken as prominent individuals such as Chief Ralph Uwazurike and Omoyele Sowore call for peaceful protest to express their grievances and dissatisfaction over the continued detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu is motivated by a sense of justice rather than politics—MASSOB leader, Uwazurike.
Chief Ralph Uwazurike, founder of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), conveyed his willingness to organize a peaceful demonstration in Abuja or elsewhere within the country to advocate for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
He characterized Kanu’s ongoing detention as a political injustice against the Igbo nation, emphasizing that the matter extends beyond the individual and signifies a wider pattern of discrimination against the South-East.
“I’ve listened to the court proceedings and the presentations by Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, and I want to say that I wish to be part of any peaceful demonstration in Abuja or anywhere in Nigeria for his release,” Uwazurike declared.
He disclosed that he had reached out to Kanu’s legal representative, Barrister Alloy Ejimakor, to offer himself as one of the defense witnesses for the IPOB leader.
“This is not just about Nnamdi Kanu; this is about Ndigbo. If anybody thinks that Kanu is being humiliated today, no—it is Ndigbo that are being humiliated,” he said.
He questioned what he described as double standards in the federal government’s handling of terrorism-related cases, arguing that it was unjust to negotiate with insurgents from one region while detaining others from another region under the same pretext.
According to him, “This has nothing to do with terrorism but with deep-rooted injustice against Ndigbo. We must do this for the future of our children. I will be there.”
Sowore calls on Peter Obi, Soludo, and others to march to Aso Rock for the release of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu
Omoyele Sowore, publisher of SaharaReporters and former presidential candidate, has challenged Labour Party chieftain Peter Obi, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, and other Southeast leaders to march to Aso Rock to demand the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
This call was made on Tuesday by Sowore via a post on his official X account.
He disclosed that he will set aside his differences with some politicians for one cause, Kanu’s release.
“I challenge every politician or person of good conscience from the Southeast who says they want Nnamdi Kanu released to stop the rhetoric. The time for action is now. Let’s march to Aso Rock Villa,” he said.
“Every governor, senator, member of the House, traditional ruler, priest, eze, Igbo person, and every Nigerian who believes in Kanu’s freedom, come out and do more than talk. I will lead this peaceful march to the Aso Rock Villa.
“No more empty noise. Let Charles Soludo, Senator Abaribe, Governor Alex Otti, Peter Obi, and all others who claim to care step up and join us in person.“We go together peacefully, legally, and visibly to demand justice and an end to MNK’s persecution.”
Aguocha/Tajudeen clash
Lawmaker representing the Umuahia North/Umuahia South/Ikwuano Federal Constituency of Abia State, Obinna Aguocha reportedly clashed with Speaker Abass Tajudeen over his failed attempt to draw the attention of the House to the deteriorating health condition of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Aguocha raised a matter of urgent importance concerning the deteriorating health of his constituent, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since his re-arrest in June 2021.
Presenting his motion, Mr. Aguocha told the chamber that he had, since 26 August, written separate letters to the Speaker, President Bola Tinubu, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, urging immediate intervention in the IPOB leader’s failing health.
“On August 26, I wrote to Mr Speaker, to the Attorney General, and to the President, appealing for urgent medical attention for my constituent, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Up until today, I have not received any response. Reports from both his personal doctors and the Nigerian Medical Association confirm that he has organ deficiencies and dangerously low potassium levels. As we speak, he is on the verge of death,” the lawmaker said.
He reminded the House that a court had ordered independent medical exams on the detained IPOB leader, stressing that all three reports, including one commissioned by the court, confirmed his severe condition.
“It is about fundamental human rights. The court has said that only a man who is alive can stand trial,” he said. “Kanu has not been convicted of any crime and should be granted the same opportunity as others who have travelled abroad for treatment.”
Mr Aguocha urged the speaker to use his position to press the executive for compliance with court orders and to seek medical care for Mr Kanu, adding that “it is a matter of life and death and demands the attention of the House.”
Responding to Mr Aguocha’s presentation, Mr Tajudeen stated that the case did not qualify as one of privilege, which is how the member had brought it to the floor.
“I do not see where your privilege is conflicted,” Mr Tajudeen said. “If it is a letter written to my office, you have direct access to me. Even a phone call or a visit could have addressed it. This is not the kind of thing to come by way of privilege.”
But Mr Aguocha pushed back, insisting that he personally submitted the letter to the speaker’s office on 27 August and received acknowledgement.
The exchange quickly became tense as both men spoke over each other.
“It’s a matter of life and death,” Mr Aguocha repeated. “The rules of this House allow me to raise a matter of privilege when it concerns a citizen’s fundamental rights.”
When Mr Aguocha insisted that Rule 6(2) of the House Rules empowered him to raise the issue, Mr Tajudeen ruled him out of order and Mr Aguocha’s microphone was immediately turned off.
“You are ruled out of order. Listen to the gavel,” the Speaker said.
Sensing the rising tension, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu intervened, appealing for calm and assuring Mr Aguocha that the matter would be entertained formally during the week.
“I understand the pain of the member regarding the subject matter of Nnamdi Kanu,” Mr Kalu said. “Let us bring it properly before the House so that it can be given the hearing it deserves. Maybe tomorrow or any other sitting day, we will give full time to present it.”
In response, Mr Tajudeen agreed to Mr Kalu’s suggestion, clarifying that his objection was merely procedural.
“No problem at all. It’s just the procedure that I was challenging, not the substance of the issue.
“I will be willing and ready. Anytime you are ready to bring up the matter, we will do the needful and give you all the time to present,” the speaker said.
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