Kehinde Fajobi
Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, has firmly stated that no one should plead for the release of his client, insisting that Kanu has committed no crime.
In a statement issued on Saturday titled “Upholding the Rule of Law Is More Important to Me Than Anything Else,” Ejimakor emphasised that Kanu’s release must be based on legal compliance, not clemency or pardon.
Kanu himself, though appreciative of calls for his release, reaffirmed that both a Federal High Court in Nigeria and international tribunals have declared his detention unlawful.
He maintained that the government should follow these rulings and release him unconditionally.
“The matter of releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not an act of mercy, pardon, executive clemency, or even amnesty,” Ejimakor’s statement read.
“It should be an act of simply complying with the subsisting Federal High Court judgment that declared his detention unconstitutional or even the extant international tribunal decisions that separately declared his detention unlawful.”
Ejimakor further emphasised that Kanu has not committed any crime and should not be the subject of appeals for clemency.
“Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is adamant that nobody should plead or beg anybody on his behalf because he has committed no crime.
“Self-determination, which is the real issue that got twisted to suddenly become a high crime, is an inalienable right guaranteed under the laws of Nigeria, the United Nations, the United Kingdom, and Kenya.”
The lawyer also warned that calls for pardon could be interpreted as an admission of guilt, potentially emboldening authorities to continue unlawful prosecution.
“Their calls for pardon or clemency may be misconstrued as a green light to the executive branch or even the courts to violate the rule of law,” Ejimakor said.
Instead of pleading, Kanu urged supporters to adopt the approach of organizations like Afenifere, Ohanaeze, and the World Igbo Congress, who have maintained that he committed no crime.
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He also called for Nigeria’s executive branch to show remorse for what he described as Kanu’s “extraordinary rendition,” which he argued is a state crime under international law.
Ejimakor concluded by urging that any appeals be directed to the courts to ensure impartiality and adherence to the rule of law. Kanu also expressed gratitude to those working for peace and security in the South-East.
Meanwhile, Kanu is set to appear for a hearing on Monday before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, following his request for his case to be transferred to the South-East.