The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a strong statement declaring that its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is a prisoner of conscience who has no case to answer in court. The group condemned what it described as the Nigerian government's continued prosecution of Kanu on "bogus charges" of treasonable felony and terrorism.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja and signed by IPOB's Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group emphasized they are not seeking mercy but demanding justice for their leader.
Challenging the Legal Basis of Kanu's Detention
"We call on Nigerians, the international community, and all lovers of justice to heed this clarion call: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has no case to answer," the statement read. "The continued persecution of our leader is not only a gross violation of his fundamental rights but also an indictment of Nigeria's judiciary, which has descended into a cesspool of judicial terrorism and criminal dereliction of duty."
IPOB claimed that the treasonable felony charges against Kanu were struck out years ago when the former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, "realized the case was unwinnable." The group further alleged that the Nigerian government fabricated terrorism charges despite a Federal High Court ruling that IPOB is a lawful organization.
According to the statement, the proscription order against IPOB was secured through "forum shopping" without granting the organization the fair hearing guaranteed under Section 36 of Nigeria's Constitution.
Allegations of Judicial Misconduct
The group described as "egregious" the use of a civil procedure—stay of execution—to overturn a judgment that had discharged and acquitted Kanu in a criminal trial. IPOB specifically criticized Justice Tsammani and his co-panelists at the Court of Appeal for this decision.
"Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a prisoner of conscience, detained for his unwavering commitment to the self-determination of the Biafran people. The Nigerian state has no case against him."
The statement further warned that Nigeria risks damaging its global reputation and "reducing its judiciary to a laughingstock" by continuing with what it termed the persecution of Kanu.
"Those encouraging the Tinubu regime to persist in this dangerous path do not wish Nigeria well. They underestimate the unyielding resolve and fanatical devotion of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the cause of Biafra," the statement added.
IPOB concluded by highlighting Kanu's courage "even in chains" as evidence of his "unbreakable spirit and the righteousness" of their cause.
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