The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has firmly stated that he does not want anyone pleading for his release from detention.
According to his legal counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu believes he has committed no crime and should not be subjected to appeals for pardon, mercy, or clemency.
This declaration follows recent calls from South East leaders, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, urging President Bola Tinubu to authorize Kanu’s release.
However, Kanu insists that his freedom should come through adherence to the rule of law, citing a Federal High Court ruling that has already declared his detention unconstitutional.
Instead of making emotional appeals, Kanu suggests that those who wish to support him should focus on ensuring a fair legal process. He also expressed his gratitude to individuals and groups working towards restoring peace and security in the South East.
This position was detailed in a statement issued by his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, on Saturday. The statement, shared on Ejimakor’s social media, made it clear that Kanu was unhappy with the continued appeals for clemency on his behalf.
> “During my visitation with Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu yesterday, he made it abundantly clear that while he is deeply appreciative of the efforts and the widespread calls being made by well-meaning individuals and groups to secure his release, he, however, instructed his legal team to issue the following clarifications:
> “The matter of releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not an act of mercy, pardon, executive clemency, or even amnesty. Instead, it should be an act of simply complying with the subsisting Federal High Court judgment that declared his detention as unconstitutional or even the extant international tribunal decisions that separately declared his detention as unlawful. Alternatively, the decision to free him from detention and discontinue his infamous prosecution can be made by simply resorting to the constitutional provisions that empower the Attorney-General of the Federation (on the directives of the President) to discontinue any prosecution.”
Kanu maintains that his detention is illegal and that his continued prosecution is a violation of both Nigerian and international law. He remains resolute that no one should seek mercy or a pardon on his behalf because, in his view, he has done nothing wrong.
> “Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is adamant that nobody should plead or beg anybody on his behalf because he has committed no crime. Self-determination which is the real issue that got twisted to suddenly become a high crime is an inalienable right guaranteed under the laws of Nigeria, the United Nations, the United Kingdom, and Kenya. Thus, the perverse and unlawful criminalisation of his exercise of this right should not unwittingly be encouraged through some misguided appeals for pardon, clemency, or mercy. Thus, releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not an act of mercy or pardon but an act of abiding by rule of law.”
While he acknowledges that many of those advocating for his release have good intentions, he warns that framing his freedom as an act of clemency could set a dangerous precedent. He argues that it may signal to both the executive branch and the judiciary that his detention is justified, when in reality, it is a violation of legal and constitutional principles.
> “In as much as those calling for his release are sincere, their calls for pardon or clemency may be misconstrued as a green light to the executive branch or even the courts to violate the rule of law by continuing to subject Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to a prosecution or trial that does not comport with the tenets of the Constitution and Nigeria’s treaty obligations.”
Instead of seeking mercy, Kanu urges his supporters to emulate organizations and individuals who have demanded his release on the basis of justice and legality. He referenced groups such as Afenifere, Ohaneze, World Igbo Congress (WIC), American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), and other international bodies that have called for his freedom on legal and human rights grounds.
> “Instead of begging, those desiring his release should emulate the language and tact used by Afenifere, Ohaneze, World Igbo Congress (WIC), ranking members of the National Assembly, American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), Ambassadors for Self Determination (based in America), the international community and a host of others who have made it clear that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves to be released because he has committed no offence known to law. If truth be told, it is Nigeria’s executive branch which extraordinarily renditioned Mazi Nnamdi Kanu that should show contrition for resorting to extraordinary rendition which is a State crime under international law and the common law. If any begging must be done, it should be directed to the Courts to conduct his cases and that of IPOB with the utmost impartiality and adherence to rule of law, equity, and good conscience.”
He concluded by appreciating those who continue to work towards restoring stability in Igboland, emphasizing that their efforts are valuable.
> “Most importantly, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu sincerely thanks everyone working assiduously towards the restoration of security, tranquility, and good order in his beloved Igboland.”
Kanu’s stance reinforces his commitment to his cause, insisting that his release should not be framed as a favor but as a fulfillment of legal obligations.
