Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has communicated to the Federal Government that he will not beg for his release after being cleared by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja. This message was conveyed in a letter dated August 25, 2023, written by Kanu’s lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
Ozekhome had previously expressed concern about the deplorable conditions of Kanu’s detention facility under the Department of State Services (DSS). The lawyer requested that a Magistrate be appointed by the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to inspect the detention center.
In the letter, Kanu stated that requesting his release at this point would be an insult to the memory of the late Pa Mbazulike Amaechi. The late Amaechi had fervently appealed to the Federal Government to honor his dying wish, which went unheeded. Kanu believes that the pronouncement of his discharge by the Court of Appeal should be respected and that he should not have to plead for his freedom.
The statement issued by Kanu’s counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, provided further insights into the discussion during the meeting between Kanu, his lawyers, and family. Ejiofor explained that Kanu expressed gratitude for the support he has received and clarified that there are no charges pending against him as of now, following the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
Kanu highlighted that instead of asking for his release, efforts should be directed towards the Supreme Court setting a date for the expeditious hearing of the appeal filed by the Federal Government, as provided for in the Criminal Appeals Practice Directions of the Supreme Court.
Additionally, in response to the DSS’s refusal to provide Kanu with his medical records as directed by Justice Binta Nyako, Kanu’s legal team, led by Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, initiated a contempt proceeding against the State Security Service and its Director General for violating court orders.
The situation involving Nnamdi Kanu continues to attract attention both within Nigeria and internationally, as his detention and legal proceedings raise significant human rights and constitutional concerns.