There was high drama at the Federal High Court in Abuja today as fiery Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, made an unannounced appearance during the ongoing trial of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu demanding his immediate release.
Dressed in full priestly regalia, Fr. Mbaka walked into the courtroom moments after proceedings began, stunning observers, lawyers, and security officials.
Without hesitation, he declared, “I’ve come to take Nnamdi Kanu home. Enough is enough.”
Courtroom tension escalated as armed security personnel hesitated to confront the cleric, reportedly citing concerns over religious immunity and possible public backlash.
Witnesses noted that several officers appeared visibly confused, unsure how to handle the unusual disruption.
Addressing both the court and the watching public, Fr. Mbaka stated:
“If standing for justice and truth is a crime, then I am guilty too. If you must detain him, then detain me also. A priest’s calling is to defend the voiceless, not to watch them suffer.”
He also issued a stern warning to Nigerian authorities, quoting scripture:
“Touch not the anointed and do my prophets no harm. When a nation begins to persecute truth, God withdraws His mercy.”
The courtroom incident has sent shockwaves through political and religious circles, further intensifying calls for Kanu’s release. Supporters have hailed the priest’s action as courageous, while critics warn that mixing religious activism with legal processes could inflame tensions.
Meanwhile, organizers of the planned October 20th protest for Kanu’s freedom said the development has added momentum to their cause.
“What Fr. Mbaka did today is what many leaders are afraid to do,” said one activist outside the courthouse. “We are ready. The protest will go ahead and it won’t be silent.”
The government has yet to officially respond to the incident, but sources within the Ministry of Justice say security agencies have been placed on high alert ahead of the protest.
As the nation watches closely, today's courtroom drama has brought a new spiritual dimension to the high-stakes legal and political battle surrounding Nnamdi Kanu raising critical questions about justice, freedom, and the power of conscience in Nigeria’s democracy.
