Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has called on his supporters to refrain from begging for his release.
Through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu emphasized that his quest for self-determination is a constitutionally protected right and not a criminal offense.
Kanu’s lawyer conveyed his stance in a press statement: “Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is adamant that nobody should plead or beg anybody on his behalf because he has committed no crime.”
Ejimakor added that Kanu’s release is a matter of legal compliance with existing court orders, not an act requiring presidential pardon or clemency.
Kanu expressed gratitude to those advocating for peace in Igboland, while cautioning that appeals for pardon might inadvertently legitimize the executive or judicial violations of his rights.
Ejimakor criticized the Nigerian government’s approach to the matter, stating that it is the executive branch that should show contrition for resorting to extraordinary rendition.
