Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, describing his continued detention as a “stain on Nigeria’s belief in the rule of law.”
Atiku made the call in a post on his official X handle on Thursday, declaring his full support for the campaign initiated by human rights activist and 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to secure Kanu’s freedom.
“The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains an open sore on our nation’s conscience and a stain on our belief in the rule of law. Defying court orders that granted him bail is an abuse of power and an assault on justice,” Atiku wrote. “I, therefore, lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by @YeleSowore for his immediate release or due prosecution.”
Atiku stressed that Nigeria must not allow Kanu’s case to “fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal,” emphasizing that true patriots must uphold justice, regardless of political or regional divides.
Sowore had earlier announced October 20 as the date for a peaceful protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, demanding Kanu’s release. The activist urged South-East governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to join the demonstration, insisting that symbolic support was not enough.
He revealed that he had reached out to several prominent figures, including Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and Atiku himself. Sowore noted that Atiku’s backing would lend significant moral weight to the movement.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021. Despite multiple court rulings — including an October 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that acquitted him on all charges — the Federal Government has yet to comply with his release.
The IPOB leader continues to face charges of terrorism and treasonable felony before the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusations he has consistently denied.
