Sowore supports Nnamdi Kanu, urges FG to release IPOB leader
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been asked to immediately release the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) Mr Nnamdi Kanu.
Speaking in Abuja Mr Omoyele Sowore said there was no justification for the arrest and detention of Kanu.
The Federal Government has closed its case against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been detained since 2021 on charges of treasonable felony and other offenses related to his advocacy for Biafra’s independence.
The development followed a court hearing where the prosecution presented its final arguments.
Kanu’s journey to detention began on June 27, 2021, when he was arrested in Kenya by security agents and extradited to Nigeria to face trial.
However, Interpol denied any involvement in the arrest in 2023, while Kanu’s brother claimed that he had been arrested by the Kenyan police.
The case against Kanu has been ongoing, with the prosecution alleging that his actions and statements have incited violence and separatism in the southeastern region of Nigeria.
The Federal Government closed its case against Kanu after its fifth witness concluded his testimony.
According to Aloy Ejimakor, special counsel for Kanu, the defence plans to file a no-case submission. “Today, the Federal Republic of Nigeria CLOSED its case against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The Court granted the defence 14 days to file its written address on a no-case submission & 14 days to the prosecution to respond. The Court then adjourned to 18th July,” Ejimakor stated.
During the proceedings, the prosecution’s last witness, known as EEE, testified that Kanu’s alleged radio broadcasts were linked to violence during the 2020 EndSARS protests.
However, under cross-examination, the witness admitted to not being involved in the investigation of Kanu’s alleged crimes and didn’t know if IPOB was concerned with happenings in Lagos, Ibadan, or Ile-Ife.
Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 Presidential candidate under the umbrella of Africa Action Congress (AAC), and publisher of SaharaReporters, attended the court hearing and expressed his excitement.
“This case is not going anywhere and there is no way it won’t end up the way it started, as nothing and will end up as nothing because there is nothing that can stand up on nothing,” Sowore’ criticizing the government’s handling of the case.
Sowore further stated, “The foundation is this is malice. There was a suppression of a section of Nigerian people and a violation of the fundamental human rights of the Nigerian-British citizen who was abducted from another country, brought here, without due process and was even prevented from having an open trial.”
The case has raised widespread controversy and debate, with many calling for Kanu’s release and accusing the Nigerian government of suppressing dissenting voices.
The outcome of the case will be closely watched, with implications for Kanu’s future and the broader separatist movement in Nigeria.
