Tag: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

Following former President Ibrahim Babangida’s clarification in his book that the January 1966 coup was not an Igbo-led conspiracy, the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) has called for reparations from the Nigerian government for the historical marginalization and humiliation that the Igbo have suffered as a result of the false belief that the coup was an Igbo affair.

In a statement issued by ADF’s National President, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, the group demanded that the Federal Government allocate ₦100 trillion to the South East Development Commission (SEDC) over the next five years. The funds, ADF stated, would be used for the restoration of properties abandoned during the Civil War in Port Harcourt, Lagos, and other affected areas, as well as for infrastructural development in the South East.

ADF further called for a national consensus to ensure that the next President of Nigeria emerges from the Igbo ethnic group as part of the reparations for the long-standing marginalization. The group also demanded the immediate release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, stressing that his continued detention, especially in comparison to the pardon and integration of other individuals involved in violence, is unjust.

Awuzie appreciated Babangida for finally acknowledging that the January 1966 coup was not an Igbo conspiracy. He noted that previous attempts to get other leaders, including former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, to clarify this fact had yielded no results. Babangida’s admission, according to ADF, helps to dispel the malicious lies that fueled anti-Igbo sentiment and contributed to the atrocities during and after the Civil War.

The group also demanded a public apology from the Nigerian government, similar to the reconciliation efforts seen in post-apartheid South Africa, as well as the establishment of a national monument in honor of Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the hero of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

“We believe that it is time to correct the historical injustices against the Igbo,” said Awuzie, “and these demands are necessary steps in healing the deep scars of the past while fostering a united and peaceful Nigeria.”

In their call for an Igbo presidency, ADF pointed to historical precedents, such as the annulment of the June 12 election, which allowed for the Yoruba nation to produce a president in 1999. The group stated that the Igbo deserve similar recognition, particularly given their contributions to Nigeria’s development.

The foundation emphasized that the Igbo people’s call for self-determination is not only a moral right but also enshrined in international legal instruments, including the Nigerian constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In summary, ADF’s statement outlined demands for reparations, including substantial financial investment in the South East, a shift toward inclusive political representation with an Igbo president, and the release of Nnamdi Kanu, all as part of a broader effort to address the historic injustices against the Igbo people and foster national reconciliation.

ABUJA – The President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), FCT, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, has revealed that Nnamdi Kanu is optimistic about securing his release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) by April 2025.

In a statement issued following his visit to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, Ezenekwe said Kanu expressed disappointment over the lack of strong Igbo leadership and called for renewed advocacy for the region’s interests.

The ICA leader stated that Kanu, despite being in detention, appeared healthy, had gained weight, and remained in high spirits. Kanu reportedly reaffirmed his confidence in his legal team and expressed hope that the courts would grant him freedom in the coming weeks.

However, he lamented the deteriorating conditions of the Igbo people in Nigeria, stressing that no prominent voices were actively defending their cause.

Ezenekwe also conveyed Kanu’s concerns about the historical neglect of Igbo freedom fighters, citing the case of Ralph Uwazurike, who, according to Kanu, had good intentions but suffered abandonment by his own people during his imprisonment. He warned that such neglect could weaken the struggle for self-determination.

In the statement on Thursday, Ezenekwe appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to intervene in Kanu’s case. He reminded the president of his past role in the pro-democracy movement and called on him to demonstrate the political will to secure Kanu’s release.

According to him, the continued detention of the IPOB leader serves as a symbol of political repression rather than justice.

The statement reads, “Yesterday, Wednesday, 2 April 2025, at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, I had the honour of visiting Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at 1:30 pm. In a setting shaped by political tension and community aspirations, our meeting served as a vital reminder of our shared struggle for recognition, justice, and the advancement of Igbo interests.

“During our discussion, Nnamdi Kanu, appearing healthier and more relaxed, reaffirmed his resilience despite his current circumstances.

“He communicated a strong message of self-assurance, noting that he is taking his prescribed medications and remains in good spirits.

“More significantly, he expressed disappointment at the apparent leadership vacuum within the Igbo community—a neglect that has allowed our people’s voice to fade at a critical moment.

“His sentiments evoked memories of past hardships endured by fellow freedom fighters, such as the neglect experienced by Ralph Uwazurike during previous administrations, reminding us all of the sacrifices made for our collective struggle.

“At the peak of our conversation, Nnamdi Kanu passionately called for a referendum—a pivotal step towards self-determination—and reiterated his firm belief that he has committed no offense other than urging our people to awaken from their slumber.

“His unwavering confidence in his legal team, and his hope for release by the end of April 2025, resonated as a powerful testament to his dedication and fortitude.

“This moment highlighted a critical juncture in our ongoing fight for freedom and justice.

“As our meeting drew to a close, the personal observations I made only deepened my resolve. I was moved by his evident physical and emotional recovery—a sign of hope amidst adversity.

“Kanu’s reflective acknowledgment of past allies, even as he critiqued the current state of leadership, served as both a sobering reminder of our history and a call to rectify the present.

“His message to the Igbo community was clear: we must not forsake our freedom fighters, whose sacrifices continue to light the path to our liberation.

“In light of today’s encounter, I issue an earnest appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I call on him to draw upon the spirit of democracy and commitment to justice that defined his own struggles, and to take decisive action in securing the freedom of our brother and hero, Nnamdi Kanu.

“Let this moment serve as a turning point—a renewal of our collective determination to safeguard the rights, dignity, and future of the Igbo people.”

NNEWI – Wife of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, Uchechi Kanu, yesterday said her husband has accepted two time Attorney General and Minister of Justice in Nigeria, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, as the new Lead Counsel in his case with the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Kanu’s wife said that her husband did not only accept Chief Agabi, as his lead counsel, but also accepted the need for the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to address the court of Justice James Omotosho, on what transpired at Justice Binta Nyako’s Court, that shook the foundations of the Nigerian Judiciary.

In a statement personally signed by Uchechi, the IPoB leader’s wife, and made available to Vanguard by IPoB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, she said Chief Agabi, stepping into Mazi Kanu’s brief, acted to smooth the ruffled feathers in some segments of the bar and bench, caused by his legitimate, anger-fueled outbursts against Justice Binta Nyako’s court that led to her recusal.

Uchechi Kanu’s statement read, “In the Court today, my husband, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, accepted the need for Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, the new Lead Counsel in his case with Nigerian Federal Government, to address the court of Justice James Omotosho, on what transpired at Binta Nyako’s court, that shook the foundations of the Nigerian judiciary.”

“This clarifications were duly delivered by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, a towering figure, twice Attorney-General, twice Minister of Justice, and a former Senator.

“Chief Agabi, stepping into Onyendu’s brief, acted to smooth the ruffled feathers in some segments of the bar and bench, caused by his legitimate anger-fueled outbursts against Justice Binta Nyako’s court that led to her recusal.

“Chief Kanu Agabi’s stature demanded it; he couldn’t represent Onyendu without restoring decorum acceptable to the Abuja bench in particular and the judiciary in general. Remarkably, Justice James Omotosho presiding, also apologized to Onyendu for the prolonged delay and mishandling of his trial over the years, acknowledging his ordeal at the hands of the Federal High Court Abuja.

“Chief Agabi’s move was strategic, balancing Onyendu’s fury with the court’s dignity. I suggest we read the full text of the statement before commenting. Chief Agabi spoke in his own personal capacity and his vision for an amicable resolution (dialogue) and peaceful co-existence. It is not rocket science.”

ABUJA– The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, was on Friday, re-arraigned before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kanu, whose trial started de-novo (afresh) following the reassignment of his case-file to Justice Omotosho, pleaded not guilty to a seven-count charge that bordered on terrorism and treasonable felony, which the Federal Government preferred against him.

It will be recalled that Justice Binta Nyako, who previously conducted the case, recused herself from the matter after she was accused of bias by the embattled IPOB leader.

Justice Nyako initially adjourned the trial sine die ( indefinitely) until the Chief Judge of the high court, Justice John Tsoho, transferred the case-file to the new judge, a development that warranted the defendant to take a fresh plea on Friday.

Meanwhile, Kanu, whose legal team is now led by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Kanu Agabi, SAN, tendered an apology to both the former trial judge and the prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, over his outburst in the open court on February 10 when his case was adjourned indefinitely.

Kanu was first arrested in Lagos on October 14, 2015, upon his return to the country from the United Kingdom, UK.

The court had on April 25, 2017, granted him bail on health ground, after he had spent about 18 months in detention.

Upon the perfection of the bail conditions, he was on April 28, 2017, released from the Kuje prison.

However, midway into the trial, the IPOB leader escaped from the country after soldiers invaded his country home at Afara Ukwu Ibeku in Umuahia, Abia State, an operation that led to the death of some of his followers.

Kanu was later re-arrested in Kenya on June 19, 2021 and extraordinarily renditioned back to the country by security agents on June 27, 2021.

Following the development, the trial court, on June 29, 2021, remanded him in custody of DSS, where he remained till date.

On April 8, 2022, the court struck out eight out of the 15-count charge that FG preferred against him on the premise that they lacked substance.

Likewise, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, on October 13, 2022, ordered Kanu’s immediate release from detention even as it quashed the charge against him.

Dissatisfied with the decision, FG took the matter before the Supreme Court, even as it persuaded the appellate court to suspend the execution of the judgement, pending the determination of its appeal.

While deciding the appeal, the Supreme Court, on December 15, 2023, vacated the judgement of the appellate court and gave FG the nod to try the IPOB leader on the subsisting seven-count charge.

Kanu, through his new counsel and former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, also apologised to the Federal Government’s lawyer, Chief Awomolo, SAN.

The IPOB leader equally apologised to his team of lawyers earlier led by Aloy Ejimakor for also attacking before Justice Nyako.

Kanu tendered the apology through his lead counsel, Chief Agabi, before Justice James Omotosho, the new trial judge.

Upon resumed trial, Agabi sought the court’s permissio to deliver a message on Kanu’s behalf.

He said he had already discussed the development with the lawyer to the prosecution and Justice Omotosho granted the application.

Justice Omotosho had fixed March 21 for the trial of Kanu. The judge fixed the date after the case file was transferred to him.

Kanu, who was brought back to the country in June 2021 from Kenya, was expected to take his plea as the case begins afresh (de novo).

The Chief Judge (CJ) of FHC, Justice John Tsoho, had, in a letter dated March 4 and addressed to Kanu’s lead counsel, Mr Aloy Ejimakor, communicated the re-assignment of the case from Justice Binta Nyako to Justice Omotosho.

The re-assignment followed the demand by Kanu and his team of lawyers for the transfer of the seven-count terrorism charge to another judge, after alleging bias.

Justice Nyako, on September 24, 2024, withdrew from the case and sent the case file to the CJ of FHC for re-assignment.

The judge said she could not proceed with a trial where a defendant lacked confidence in the court.

However, the CJ sent Kanu’s case file back to Justice Nyako for adjudication, insisting that a formal application must be made by the defence before the recusal could be accepted.

But Kanu and Ejimakor, on February 10, insisted that Justice Nyako no longer had jurisdiction to preside over the case after her recusal (withdrawal) from the matter, prompting the judge to adjourned the case indefinitely (sine die).

Justice Ahmed Mohammed (who has been elevated to Appeal Court) and Justice Tsoho (before becoming the CJ) had presided over Kanu’s trial before it was assigned to Justice Nyako, following the defendant’s rejection of the two judges.

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Friday, tendered an apology over his recent attacks on the Federal High Court and Justice Binta Nyako.

American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has tasked the new Judge presiding over the trial of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on fair hearing and uprightness, saying that “Kanu is a prisoner of conscience.”

This comes barely 24 hours after Kanu’s family hinted that the IPoB leader would defend himself in court when the hearing resumes on March 21.
Kanu’s trial was re-assigned to Justice James Omotosho following the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako, who formerly presided over the trial.
AVID President Dr Sylvester Onyia, in a joint statement with
Rising Sun President Chief Dede Maxwell and Ambassadors for Self-Determination President Chief Evans Nwankwo frowned at the delays in Kanu’s trial and demanded his unconstitutional release as already ruled by the Court of Appeal, arguing that the counts of charge against said were trumped up.
The statement read: “We, in conjunction with the Rising Sun and the Ambassadors for Self-Determination, all located in the Continental United States.
(CONUS), have meticulously monitored the trajectory of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s subjugation in Nigeria’s security.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, has not committed any crime. We are
aware of his extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria, as well as his unlawful detention in the Nigerian DSS dungeon. Also, we are aware of various court judgments in his favor that have
not been implemented.
In July 2022, the United Nations Human Rights Council (through a landmark Opinion issued by its Working Group) stated that the appropriate remedy would be for the Government of Nigeria
to release Mr Kanu immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other
reparations, in accordance with international law.”
“On December 2023, the Supreme Court of Nigeria held that it was wrong to have revoked Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s bail, meaning that his bail should, without more, be restored by virtue of Section
287(1) of the Constitution, which states that: “The decisions of the Supreme Court shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court.”
“Based on documented judicial underpinnings, we collectively state the following: We express disappointment with the mode of MNK’s case handling.
Since the courts acquitted MNK, why are you still trying to prosecute him? He has no case to answer; we demand his immediate and unconditional release now. We also caution Justice James Omotosho about MNK’s safety.
“As a judge, make no mistake: the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu case was inherited by President Tinubu’s administration with the awareness that you cannot pile illegality atop illegality when the entire world is watching. As a result, the decision or choice you make today will either uphold or destroy Nigeria, and we and our future generations will hold you accountable.
“Finally, the Fulanis under Buhari’s administration committed this heinous crime against the Igbos, saw how empty the charges against MNK are, pushed it over to the Yoruba President to create dichotomy between the two groups: the Igbos and the Yorubas. Be wise!!!”

ABUJA – The Federal Government’s planned prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been described as legally untenable by respected legal expert Barrister Christopher Chidera.

Chidera argues that the trial, set to commence on 21 March 2025, faces significant jurisdictional challenges that could render it ineffective.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, he highlighted flaws in the case against Kanu due to the repeal of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013, the statute under which Kanu was originally charged.

He emphasised that prosecuting Kanu under a repealed law violates the principle of stare decisis, which upholds legal consistency, and could undermine the trial’s legitimacy.

The statement noted, “The question of whether the Nigerian government can effectively prosecute Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on 21 March 2025 hinges on several legal, procedural, and political factors that have emerged in his ongoing case.

“One significant jurisdictional challenge is the claim that the legal basis for Kanu’s prosecution may be flawed due to the repeal of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013, under which he was initially charged. As this Act is no longer in force, any attempt to prosecute Kanu under it lacks substantive jurisdiction and violates the principle of stare decisis.

“Another issue arises from Kanu’s extraordinary rendition from Kenya, which his legal team and international observers, including a 2023 U.S. human rights report, have deemed unlawful. This raises questions about Nigeria’s procedural jurisdiction, as the extradition process allegedly bypassed legal norms under both Nigerian and international law.

“Kanu’s legal team has contended that the case should be heard in the Southeast, where the alleged offences occurred, rather than in Abuja.

“Kanu’s decision to represent himself on 21 March 2025, they believe, will expose corruption, inconsistencies, and bias within the Nigerian justice system.

“Politically, the trial’s legitimacy is under scrutiny. Critics argue it has devolved into persecution rather than prosecution, citing prolonged detention without conviction and repeated adjournments.

“The outcome will likely depend on how Justice Omotosho interprets these challenges within the context of Nigerian law and Kanu’s formidable defence.

“In conclusion, the Nigerian government faces substantial hurdles in effectively prosecuting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on 21 March 2025. Jurisdictional challenges—ranging from the repealed legal framework and unlawful rendition to the trial’s venue and Kanu’s strategic self-defence—could collectively undermine the case’s validity and execution.”