The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has said some top politicians, businessmen, and traditional rulers from the south are frustrating efforts to release its embattled leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The IPOB spokesperson added that the group is waiting to see what the outcome of the December 15 ruling of the Supreme Court will be before taking a stand on the government’s commitment to the rule of law.
The significance of the Supreme Court’s ruling on December 15 cannot be overstated. The decision will not only shape the course of Nnamdi Kanu’s legal battle but will also serve as a litmus test for the Nigerian government’s commitment to the rule of law. IPOB’s decision to withhold its stance until after the ruling underscores the importance of this judicial milestone in the eyes of the secessionist group.
The ruling will be closely watched not only by IPOB supporters but also by the wider public and international observers keen on the protection of human rights and the rule of law. The outcome may either bolster confidence in the legal system or raise questions about the fairness and transparency of the proceedings, with potential implications for the broader socio-political landscape.
The IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said in a statement on Monday that the identified persons should be blamed if Kanu fails to regain his freedom after the anticipated December 15 ruling of the Supreme Court.
Those accused of working against the release of the IPOB leader include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, billionaire businessman, Sir Emeka Offor from Anambra State, and Governors Francis Nwifuru, Peter Mbah, Hope Uzodimma of Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states respectively.
Others listed are former Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, oil magnate, Arthur Eze and a traditional ruler, HRH Cletus Ilomuanya.
He disclosed that the list was uncovered by its intelligence team.
The statement alleged that “The idea to keep our leader, Kanu in detention was brought forward by some” people “in our land who claim to be millionaires and politicians.”
“We call on Biafrans and particularly IPOB members worldwide to hold persons named responsible should anything untoward happen to our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and if he is not released on Friday 15th of December, 2023.”
Powerful further appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Supreme Court not to accept the push by the identified persons to keep Kanu in prison.
“Some of these people played active roles in the kidnap and extraordinary rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria and his continuous illegal detention and we have not forgotten.
“President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Government and the Supreme Court Justices of Nigeria must not oblige those pressuring them not to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally on the 15th of December via the Apex Court’s judgment.
“The Federal Government and the Supreme Court of Nigeria cannot ignore the rule of law and consent to the wishes of selfish individuals working for their pockets and who are also against the Nigerian State.
“This group of men are not only acting wickedly against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu but are also sabotaging the image of the Nigerian state. They are enemies of Nigerians and enemies of peace.
“The IPOB movement worldwide calls on the Supreme Court of Nigeria, never to succumb to blackmail and intimidation from greedy people, and fail to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who had been illegally incarcerated for over 30 months,” the statement added.
