The family of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has once again criticized South-East Governors for their perceived inaction in securing his release.
Speaking at a memorial event on Friday in Umuahia for their late parents, HRM Eze Israel and Ugoeze Sally Kanu, Prince Emmanuel Kanu expressed disappointment, alleging that the governors had failed to engage President Bola Tinubu on Kanu’s case despite reported conditions set for his release.
“South-East Governors are not doing enough to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. It’s either they are complicit or something else is going on. The big question is: Why have they not met with Mr. President on Nnamdi Kanu?” he queried.
He further claimed that the persistent unrest in the South-East could be resolved if Kanu were released, arguing that “freeing him will expose those using the agitation as a cover for criminal activities.”
The family also took issue with Justice Binta Nyako’s handling of Kanu’s trial, particularly her decision to indefinitely adjourn the case despite previously recusing herself.
“Why is she forcing herself on the case? She has refused every application to move Nnamdi Kanu to prison custody instead of keeping him under harsh conditions in the DSS facility,” they lamented.
Calling on the international community to intervene, the family maintained that Kanu had committed no crime warranting continued detention.
Prominent figures from the former Eastern region also added their voices to the call for Kanu’s freedom. High Chief Agonsi Ebere, leader of the Elders in Biafra land, described Kanu’s parents as “martyrs” who died from the trauma of the 2017 military raid on their home.
“We are here to honor our leaders who laid down their lives for Biafra’s freedom,” Ebere stated, urging the Federal Government to consider the growing appeals for Kanu’s release.
Aniekan Ekanem, leader of the Akwa Ibom chapter of a pro-Biafra group, dismissed claims that the Biafra agitation was solely an Igbo affair.
“Biafra is not just for the Igbo. It concerns the entire Old Eastern region, including Akwa Ibom, which is historically connected,” Ekanem said.
The memorial event witnessed a large turnout of supporters from South-East and South-South states, underscoring the continued significance of Kanu’s cause.
Prince Emmanuel reaffirmed the family’s stance, stressing that his brother’s detention should be replaced with constructive dialogue.
“The masses are behind him because he is championing a just cause,” he asserted.