Nnamdi Kanu: Nobody Should Beg for My Freedom

IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu insists he does not want anyone pleading for his release, reaffirming his stance amid ongoing legal battles with the Nigerian government.

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has made it clear that he does not wish for anyone to appeal to President Bola Tinubu’s administration for his release from custody.

This stance was conveyed in a statement released by his attorney, Aloy Ejimakor, on Saturday.

Ejimakor states that Kanu asserts he has not committed any crime, so attempts to secure his release should not be portrayed as requests for pardon or clemency.

His comments come in response to recent requests from several South East leaders, such as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, who have been urging the President to expedite his release. Nonetheless, Kanu emphasized that being held any longer goes against the principles of justice, referencing a Federal High Court decision which ruled his detention unconstitutional.

“During my visit with Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu yesterday, he expressed profound gratitude for the efforts and widespread appeals from well-meaning individuals and groups advocating for his release. However, he instructed his legal team to provide the following clarifications,” said Ejimakor.

Kanu’s legal team stressed that his release should be seen purely as a fulfillment of legal duty, rather than an act of mercy or a political compromise.

“The decision to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu should not be seen as an act of mercy, pardon, executive clemency, or amnesty. Rather, it is a matter of adhering to the existing Federal High Court judgment that found his detention unconstitutional and acknowledging the current international tribunal decisions that separately declared his detention unlawful,” stated the statement.

Kanu once again emphasized that self-determination, the cornerstone of his activism, is an inalienable right safeguarded by both Nigerian and international law. He contended that portraying his release as a favor diminishes this right.

Ejimakor quoted Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu asserting that he firmly believes no one should plead or beg on his behalf, as he has not committed any crime. He emphasized that self-determination—a right that was misrepresented and turned into a serious offense—is an inalienable right protected by the laws of Nigeria, the United Nations, the United Kingdom, and Kenya.

Kanu expressed his gratitude to the individuals and groups advocating for his freedom and suggested that their efforts should be redirected towards ensuring that his trial complies with constitutional and international legal standards.

Instead of pleading for his release, those advocating for it should adopt the language and diplomacy demonstrated by groups like Afenifere, Ohaneze, the World Igbo Congress (WIC), senior members of the National Assembly, American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), Ambassadors for Self Determination in America, along with numerous others from the international community. These parties have clearly asserted that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves to be released as he has not committed any legal offenses. In reality, it is Nigeria’s executive branch—which unlawfully extradited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—that needs to express remorse because this act qualifies as a state crime under both international law and common law principles. If there must be an appeal or plea made at all; it ought to urge the Courts instead: urging them towards unparalleled impartiality while dealing with cases related particularly toward IPOB – ensuring proceedings honor rule-of-law standards alongside equity-fueled judgements brimful throughout every measured step undertaken conscientiously too!

“The statement expressed that Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu sincerely appreciates everyone diligently working towards restoring security, peace, and good order in his beloved Igboland.”