Human rights activist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called for the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing his continued incarceration as a symbol of Nigeria’s moral and political decay.
Sowore made the remarks in a post shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, where he reflected on an old video of Kanu speaking passionately about a peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria while in London.
He lamented that Nigeria has “a painful way of breaking the spirit of even its most hopeful citizens,” noting that the country often turns “optimists into pessimists, believers into unbelievers, and patriots into cynics.”
According to Sowore, the resurfaced video showed that Kanu initially sought a Nigeria founded on peace, justice, and security. However, he claimed that the political establishment saw Kanu’s advocacy for truth and unity as a threat to their interests.
“When he refused to be silent, they targeted him. His parents, friends, and associates were lost in the struggle; he himself was abducted, vilified, detained perpetually, and now he is undergoing a sham trial under false charges of terrorism,” Sowore wrote.
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The activist further alleged that while corrupt leaders and extremist elements have prospered, Kanu remains unjustly detained for demanding accountability and national security.
“Ironically, the same Boko Haram elements he once denounced have now become kings, emperors, and billionaires, while a man who demanded accountability and national security remains in chains,” Sowore added, ending his post with the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.
Kanu, who has been in detention since his rearrest in 2021, is facing terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government — a case that continues to draw national and international attention.