Obinna Aguocha, the representative of Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in Abia State, has called on President Bola Tinubu to leverage his position to secure the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mr Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu has been in custody since his extradition in June 2020, facing charges of alleged terrorism by the Federal Government. Despite a 2022 Court of Appeal order for his release on health grounds, the Federal Government appealed to the Supreme Court, directing Kanu to resume trial at the Federal High Court. He remains detained in the facility of the Department of State Services.
In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, Aguocha, a member of the Labour Party, stressed the absence of justification for Kanu’s prolonged detention, especially when individuals like Godwin Emefiele, Omoyele Sowore, and Sunday Igboho are free.
Aguocha emphasized the significance of Tinubu’s involvement, stating, “I hereby appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, to utilize his esteemed office to ensure the unconditional and immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu as a gesture of goodwill towards the peaceful development of the South East and the well-being of Ndi Igbo.”
He highlighted the unequal treatment of Kanu compared to other accused individuals, questioning whether there is a double standard for citizens from different regions and those within the South East zone.
Aguocha concluded by advocating for Kanu’s unconditional release, reiterating the principle of equal justice for all citizens.
