House of Reps Member Sends Strong Message to Tinubu Over Kanu’s Detention

In a heartfelt plea to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, Hon. Obi Aguocha, representing the Ikwuano/Umuahia constituency of Abia State, has made a strong case for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Aguocha’s appeal comes amid concerns over the conditions of Kanu’s detention, including allegations of secret recordings by the Department of State Services (DSS) that potentially undermine his right to a fair trial.

The call for Kanu’s release is buttressed by recent alarms raised by Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, regarding the detention environment’s infringement on Kanu’s legal rights. The issue of Kanu’s detention has resonated beyond his legal team, with his family publicly addressing the South-East governors, urging them to address the “unlawful and unjust detention” of the separatist leader. They argue that Kanu’s continued detention violates his fundamental human rights and have noted a concerning decline in his health since his June 2021 capture and rendition to Nigeria by the previous administration.

Aguocha, speaking on ABN TV, labeled Kanu as a political prisoner and criticized former President Muhammadu Buhari for allegedly harboring personal animosity towards the Igbo people, which he suggests influenced Kanu’s prolonged detention despite several court orders for his release. He passionately urged President Tinubu to avoid following in his predecessor’s footsteps and to consider the broader implications of Kanu’s detention on the peace and security in the South-East and Nigeria as a whole.

Highlighting the adverse effects of Kanu’s incarceration on regional stability, Aguocha pointed out the rise in crime and unrest in the South-East, attributing much of this turmoil to reactions against Kanu’s detention. He remains hopeful for a political resolution that will secure Kanu’s freedom, emphasizing the importance of his unconditional release for the restoration of peace.