“If You’re Igbo, You Can’t Get Away With Anything” — Sowore Accuses FG of Double Standards in Nnamdi Kanu’s Case

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has lashed out at the Nigerian government for what he described as “systemic injustice” against Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, because of his Igbo heritage.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Thursday, Sowore alleged that while Nigerians from other ethnic groups often escape serious consequences for their actions, Igbos are treated differently and more harshly.

“If you are a Nigerian, you can get away with a lot of things, but if you are an Igbo Nigerian, you can’t. The odds are stacked against you,” he said.

The African Action Congress (AAC) leader recalled Kanu’s courtroom pledge last year — promising to end violence in the South-East if released — but lamented that the government had ignored the offer.

Sowore compared Kanu’s ordeal with that of Yoruba Nation agitators, saying they have not faced the same level of prosecution or repression despite engaging in acts like hijacking a radio station.

He also criticized the slow pace of Kanu’s trial, insisting that no credible evidence or witness has linked him to any crime.

“The only witness that testified did not accuse him of any wrongdoing. He didn’t say he found a gun or that Kanu was importing weapons. All he said was that Kanu declared he wanted Biafra — and I’ve checked the Nigerian Constitution; it’s not a crime to say you want Biafra,” Sowore added.

Kanu remains in detention amid growing calls from activists and political leaders for his release, with many arguing that his continued incarceration deepens ethnic distrust and fuels regional tension.