The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and two United States-based advocacy groups have called for the immediate release of the group’s detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, citing concerns about his health and the conditions of his detention.
The groups, Avid Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, also called for Kanu to receive urgent medical attention, including medical evacuation, while urging Nigerian authorities to respect his fundamental human rights.
The demand was contained in a joint statement issued on Thursday and signed by Dr Sylvester Onyia, Mazi Evans Nwankwo and Dede Maxwell.
The groups argued that calls for self-determination should be addressed through democratic processes rather than criminal prosecution. They cited recent discussions and parliamentary developments in the United Kingdom on the right to self-determination.
They questioned why demands for a referendum on self-determination should attract criminal prosecution in Nigeria when the subject could be openly debated in other democracies.
The organisations further alleged that Kanu was not receiving adequate medical care in detention, warning that any neglect of his health would raise serious humanitarian and human rights concerns.
They also urged the British Government to take a stronger interest in the matter, noting that Kanu is a British citizen. They called on the UK authorities to seek clarification from the Nigerian Government regarding his treatment and ongoing legal proceedings.
The groups expressed concern over the delay in the hearing of Kanu’s appeal against his conviction, arguing that the case required urgent attention.
They maintained that Kanu’s situation had broader implications for freedom of expression, political participation and the rights of individuals advocating self-determination.
The organisations called on the Nigerian Government to address the concerns surrounding Kanu’s health and detention, while urging stakeholders to promote peaceful dialogue on the country’s political future.
They also appealed for the protection of fundamental rights and the use of democratic mechanisms to resolve disputes over self-determination.
Kanu, the leader of IPOB, is currently serving a life sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges. His legal team is challenging the conviction.
The groups reiterated their position that concerns surrounding his health, detention and appeal should be addressed in accordance with human rights principles and due process.
