On Monday, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) urged the Nigerian Government to cease what they term as ethnic persecution against their leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
IPOB characterized Kanu’s ongoing trial as politically motivated and an act of ethnic discrimination, emphasizing that the Appeal Court’s ruling, which acquitted him, remains valid.
Emma Powerful, the spokesperson for IPOB, asserted that the Nigerian Government has no legal grounds to prosecute Kanu under the current Appeal Court ruling.
In a statement, Powerful highlighted: “The noble family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra, led by the esteemed Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu, wishes to inform the public that the Nigerian Government intends to continue its unjust persecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in another court session scheduled for tomorrow, September 24, 2024.
“The ongoing unlawful trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is purely political and an act of ethnic persecution, given that the Appeal Court’s ruling that exonerated him still stands.
“The Nigerian Government lacks the authority to prosecute Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in light of the continuing judgement from the Appeal Court. Furthermore, their actions violate international laws regarding the abduction and extradition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria.
“The Supreme Court of Nigeria has even condemned this unlawful abduction. However, due to intimidation from a reckless executive government, the Supreme Court judges have hesitated to uphold the courageous ruling of the Appeal Court.
“Nonetheless, their condemnation of the abduction serves as sufficient proof that the Nigerian Government is acting unlawfully and contravening international statutes. It must be known to both the Nigerian Government and their judicial allies that, from IPOB’s perspective, our leader remains unjustly imprisoned and persecuted for advocating for a peaceful Biafra, in accordance with UN principles and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“IPOB globally asserts to the public and the international community that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has not committed any crime under both domestic and international law. This legal stance has been affirmed by the Nigerian Appeal Court, which dismissed all baseless charges against him and mandated his immediate release and compensation.
“Thus, his continued court appearances represent a politically driven and ethnically biased persecution by the Nigerian Government’s bigoted agenda. Despite all national and international court rulings favoring him, the Nigerian Government remains obstinate in failing to release him. This is particularly concerning as his health deteriorates in the unlawful solitary confinement of the DSS, yet the government refuses to comply with court orders.
“The Nigerian Government is allegedly backing violent groups in the Southeast to fabricate evidence against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in this unjust persecution. IPOB will not permit such nefarious schemes to unfold.”
