A coalition of Igbo leaders have strongly condemned the ongoing detention of pro-Biafra agitator Nnamdi Kanu, criticizing the Nigerian government for what they describe as a double standard in its approach to national security and justice.
The group expressed outrage that, while Kanu remains imprisoned for four years over his push for self-determination, the same government is reintegrating Boko Haram members into society under the guise of repentance and amnesty.
In a statement issued on Monday, the group also accused the federal government of allegedly paying large sums of money to bandits in a bid to appease them—an approach they warned could further weaken state authority and embolden criminality.
They demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, describing his continued incarceration as unjust, discriminatory, and a violation of his rights and those of the Igbo people.
The group’s grievance is rooted in what they see as a clear double standard: if the federal government can go to great lengths to reintegrate Boko Haram terrorists—who took up arms against innocent citizens—back into society, then the same gesture should be extended to Nnamdi Kanu, who has never taken up arms or waged war against the country.
The statement was jointly signed by Ben Nwankwo and Evans Nwankwo, Executive Directors of Ambassadors for Self-Determination USA; AVID President, Sylvester Onyia; as well as Maxwell Dede and Father Odimegwa of the Rising Sun Group.
The statement partly reads:
“In an unprecedented display of hypocrisy, Nigeria’s federal government has adopted a strategy of rehabilitating and reintegrating Boko Haram members back into society.
Meanwhile, it continues to offer large sums of money to bandits in a misguided effort to appease them—an approach that ultimately erodes its own authority and weakens national security.
In stark contrast, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—a courageous freedom fighter advocating for the self-determination of his people—remains unjustly imprisoned simply for standing up for his rights and those of the Igbo nation.”
“The world must not turn a blind eye to this egregious injustice. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s continued imprisonment is fueling a global wave of outrage that demands urgent and decisive action.The recent condemnation of the Kenyan government by the international community for its involvement in the illegal abduction of Mazi Kanu on Kenyan soil is a commendable development. However, it should be recognized as only the first step toward full justice.
We demand the identification and prosecution of all Nigerian and Kenyan operatives who played a role in this unlawful act.
Until true justice is achieved, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must be released immediately and unconditionally.”
“Our collective voice will not be silenced. We stand unwavering in our pursuit of justice, dignity, and the fundamental right to self-determination for all.”