The respected traditional rulers and custodians from the ancient kingdom of Umuahia North Local Government Area in Abia State have issued a formal and strong rebuttal to the recent judgment handed down by Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Federal High Court, which resulted in a life sentence for their native son, Nnamdi Kanu.
The collective of monarchs unequivocally declared Kanu to be their illustrious son and Crown Prince, starkly refuting the court’s proclamation that he is a terrorist. They firmly maintained that Kanu is, in fact, a dedicated freedom fighter whose actions and words have consistently addressed the deep-seated issues of injustice and marginalization faced by his people.
The statement, delivered to journalists on Friday, the 21st of November, 2025, was officially signed by key figures within the council: Eze Innocent Adiele Nwaigwe, Chairman of the Umuahia North Traditional Rulers Council; Eze Chiabuotu Emelike, the Secretary; and fellow monarchs, Eze Nzenwata Mbakwe and Eze Eddy Ibeabuchi.
In their powerful declaration, the traditional leaders stated: “For over a decade, our son has stood before the courts of this nation, enduring trials, detentions, and unimaginable hardships. The recent judgment, though deeply painful to us as fathers and leaders, does not erase what we know in truth: that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not a terrorist.”
“He is a freedom fighter who has consistently spoken out against injustice and the marginalization of his people,” the monarchs declared.
They went on to stress their continued belief in his innocence: “We insist, as we have always done, that our son remains innocent of the charges brought against him. The decisions pronounced by Justice Gbenga Omotosho do not diminish his spirit, nor do they extinguish the hope of millions who believe in justice, fairness, and the rule of law. Justice delayed may be painful, but justice denied cannot stand forever.”
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Acknowledging the legal process, the monarchs expressed confidence that the scales of justice, despite their current pace, will ultimately align with the truth. They highlighted that Nnamdi Kanu fully retains his constitutional right to pursue an appeal against the ruling through the court system, up to the Supreme Court.
Furthermore, the traditional rulers renewed their urgent plea to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to deploy the presidential prerogative of mercy vested in his office by granting an immediate pardon to the IPOB leader.
Finally, while recognizing the profound anguish the judgment has caused among the youths of Umuahia North, the monarchs issued a vital call for peace, restraint, and calmness, appealing strongly that the youths refrain from resorting to self-help or taking the law into their own hands.