Former Vice President and presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has condemned the ongoing detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as a “stain on our belief in the rule of law” and an abuse of judicial authority. Atiku lent his full support to the campaign led by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore calling for Kanu’s immediate release or lawful prosecution.
In a strongly worded statement, Atiku lamented the defiance of court orders that granted bail to Kanu, calling it “an abuse of power and an assault on justice.” He stressed that the prolonged detention of Kanu remains an open sore on Nigeria’s national conscience and undermines the principles of justice.
“The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains an open sore on our nation’s conscience and a stain on our belief in the rule of law,” Atiku said.
“Defying court orders that granted him bail is an abuse of power and an assault on justice. I, therefore, lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by @YeleSowore for his immediate release or due prosecution.”
Atiku further warned that “we fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal.”
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in detention since his re-arrest in 2021 following his extradition from Kenya. Despite several court rulings, including a Court of Appeal decision in October 2022 that discharged and acquitted him of terrorism and treason charges, Kanu remains in custody, sparking national debate over justice and the rule of law.
The campaign for Kanu’s release has gained momentum, with Sowore organising a nationwide protest march to Abuja’s Aso Rock Villa on October 20 to demand freedom for the IPOB leader. The case continues to divide opinions and remains a critical issue in Nigeria’s political landscape.
