Legal practitioner and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has renewed calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Okonkwo criticised the prolonged detention of Kanu by the Department of State Services (DSS), describing it as a failure of Nigeria’s justice system.
Kanu, who was re-arrested in June 2021 after jumping bail, has remained in DSS custody for over seven years. Despite multiple court rulings and appeals from prominent figures—including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and several South-East governors—his release has not been secured.
Okonkwo lamented that Kanu’s continued incarceration violates the constitutional right to fair hearing and presumption of innocence, citing Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.
“A nation that detains a human being for more than seven years without concluding his trial is a nation failing in justice,” he said. “Justice delayed is justice denied. The Constitution is clear—every accused person deserves to be judged within a reasonable time.”
The actor-turned-lawyer argued that keeping Kanu in detention without reaching a verdict is both unjust and unconstitutional.
“It is unreasonable to detain a man for almost seven years and still claim his case is ongoing. What exactly are we judging?” he questioned.
Okonkwo also suggested that the government explore a political resolution to the matter, warning that the prolonged case has deepened public frustration and heightened regional tensions.
“People are frustrated. If nothing incriminating has been found against him, then release him or pursue a political solution. No one can remain mentally sound after such prolonged detention,” he added.
READ ALSO: Sowore Confirms Arrest, Beating of Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Brother
His comments come amid renewed protests in parts of the country, where groups under the #FreeNnamdiKanu movement have been demanding the IPOB leader’s unconditional release.
Security operatives have, however, dispersed several of these demonstrations, particularly in Abuja and major cities across the South-East.
Kanu faces charges bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism, accusations his supporters insist are politically motivated.
As calls for his release continue to grow, pressure is mounting on the Federal Government to address the lingering issue through dialogue and adherence to due process.