The lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Abia State, Obinna Aguocha, has urged President Bola Tinubu to use his office to secure the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPoB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu has been in detention since his extradition in June 2020, facing charges of alleged terrorism by the Federal Government. Despite a 2022 Court of Appeal order for his release on health grounds, the Federal Government appealed to the Supreme Court, directing Kanu to resume trial at the Federal High Court. He has remained in the detention facility of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement in Abuja on Saturday, Aguocha, a member of the Labour Party, emphasized that there’s no justification for Kanu’s continued custody, especially when others like Godwin Emefiele, Omoyele Sowore, and Sunday Igboho are free.
Aguocha stressed the importance of President Tinubu’s intervention, stating, “I hereby appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, to use his esteemed office to ensure the unconditional and immediate release of citizen Nnamdi Kanu as a gesture of goodwill towards the peaceful development of the South East and the well-being of Ndi Igbo”.
He pointed out the disparate treatment of Kanu compared to other accused citizens, questioning, “Is there one set rule for other Nigerians from different zones and another for Igbo’s within the South East zone?
He added that Kanu, Sowore, Igboho and Emefiele are “The four citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria accused by the government of various alleged offences.
“Sowore and Igboho are free men because of the determination of the judiciary in protecting the rights of these citizens, and I must add, rightly so.
“Mr Emefiele by the determination of the judiciary, has been granted bail in the sum of N50 million. It is his constitutional right”, asking, “Is Nnamdi Kanu not a citizen? Does Nnamdi Kanu not have a concomitant constitutional right to be granted bail?”
He further asked, “Shouldn’t Nnamdi Kanu at this point be released unconditionally?
“Is there one set rule for other Nigerians from different zones and another for Igbos within the South East zone?”
Aguocha concluded by advocating for Kanu’s unconditional release, echoing the sentiment that justice should be equal for all citizens.
