Nigerian Court Rejects Request to Free Separatist Leader Nnamdi Kanu

The long-running case continues as health concerns and political tensions mount

A Nigerian court has ruled against releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), keeping him in detention despite growing pressure from his supporters. The court said prosecutors had provided sufficient evidence to move forward with trial proceedings.

Kanu, who has faced terrorism and treason charges since his first arrest in 2015, denies all allegations. His supporters claim the charges are politically motivated, designed to silence the separatist campaign for an independent Biafra state in southeastern Nigeria.

Years of Arrests and Detention

Kanu’s legal battles have stretched for nearly a decade. In 2021, he was re-arrested after fleeing bail and has remained in custody ever since. Last year, Nigeria’s Supreme Court reinstated terrorism charges against him, extending his time in prison. The latest ruling further deepens uncertainty over when, or if, he will be freed.

Lawyers Raise Health Concerns

Kanu’s legal team expressed disappointment at the court’s decision, highlighting his deteriorating health.

“We are disappointed. Our client remains ill and he remains detained. And we are not happy about that,” said his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.

Supporters argue that Kanu should be granted bail to receive medical treatment, but Nigerian authorities have so far resisted those appeals.

Allegations Against IPOB

The Nigerian government accuses IPOB of orchestrating violent attacks in the country’s southeast, where clashes between separatist sympathizers and security forces have led to numerous deaths. IPOB has consistently denied involvement, claiming its campaign is peaceful and rooted in the political right of the Igbo people to self-determination.

Political Reactions

The case continues to divide opinion among political leaders. Obi Aguocha, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, was present at the courthouse in solidarity with Kanu.

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“In this country, there are two sets of rules. One rule for the Igbos and one rule for every other Nigerian. This is a unique opportunity for Nigeria to be circumspect, look towards a political solution to this matter,” Aguocha said.

His remarks reflect the sentiment of many Igbo leaders who believe Kanu’s continued detention symbolizes systemic marginalization of the southeast.

Echoes of the Biafra War

The demand for Biafra independence has deep historical roots. The Republic of Biafra briefly declared independence from Nigeria between 1967 and 1970, sparking a devastating civil war. An estimated one million people, many from the Igbo ethnic group, died during the conflict, largely from famine and disease.

The memory of that war continues to fuel the movement, even as the Nigerian government insists on maintaining the country’s unity.

Rising Profile of Simon Ekpa

Kanu’s prolonged detention has allowed other separatist figures to gain prominence, including Simon Ekpa, who operates largely from Europe. About a month ago, Ekpa was sentenced to six years in prison in Finland on charges of terrorism and tax fraud.

His conviction has further complicated the separatist movement, leaving IPOB fractured between loyalists of Kanu and new factions under different leaders.

A Case With No Clear End

The rejection of Kanu’s release highlights the deep impasse between Nigeria’s judiciary, political establishment, and separatist supporters. Calls for a political solution to the crisis are growing louder, but the government has shown little willingness to compromise.

For now, Kanu remains in detention, IPOB remains banned, and southeastern Nigeria remains a flashpoint of unrest in Africa’s most populous country.

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