Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has joined calls for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), describing his prolonged detention as “a stain on Nigeria’s belief in the rule of law.”
Atiku made the statement on Thursday in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he expressed full support for the campaign launched by Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, demanding 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. We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal,” he added.
Sowore, who announced plans to lead a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest on October 20, had earlier urged South-East governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to join the movement.
He revealed that he reached out to several prominent figures, including Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Sowore also disclosed that he contacted Atiku through his aides, noting that the former vice president’s endorsement would add significant weight to the campaign.
“This is not the time for hesitation. If we truly believe that Nnamdi Kanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act — now, not later,” Sowore stated.
Kanu has remained in Department of State Services (DSS) custody since his re-arrest in 2021 following his controversial extradition from Kenya. Despite multiple court rulings ordering his release — including an October 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that discharged and acquitted him — the Federal Government has continued to hold him.
The IPOB leader faces charges of terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement, all of which he has denied.
