The family of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has expressed frustration with South-East political leaders for their failure to engage President Bola Tinubu in securing Kanu’s release.
Kanu, who has been in detention since June 29, 2021, saw his recent bail application declined by Justice Binta Nyako on Tuesday, sparking outrage from his family.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel, questioned the silence of Igbo political leaders regarding Kanu’s prolonged detention and their reluctance to approach President Tinubu for assistance. Emmanuel lamented the perceived abandonment of Kanu by leaders who have reportedly gained access to the President on other matters.
Emmanuel accused certain individuals of benefiting from Kanu’s continued incarceration, alleging a deliberate refusal by political elites to advocate for his release. He criticized the labeling of Kanu as a terrorist despite his non-violent advocacy for the freedom of Ndigbo, juxtaposing the government’s leniency towards other detainees.
Warning of potential repercussions, Emmanuel vowed to expose those profiting from Kanu’s detainment and the insecurity plaguing the Southeast region. He urged accountability from political leaders, emphasizing that the truth behind Kanu’s detention would eventually come to light.
Expressing disappointment with Justice Nyako’s decision to deny Kanu bail, the family questioned whether the trial judge had thoroughly reviewed the Supreme Court judgment, which deemed the revocation of Kanu’s bail by the Federal High Court unjustifiable.