Legal practitioner and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has called on the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and explore a political solution to the lingering case.
Speaking on Channels Television’s flagship programme, Sunrise Daily, Okonkwo criticized the government for holding Kanu in custody for nearly seven years without concluding his trial. He cited Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time, stressing that “justice delayed is justice denied.”
“A nation that detains a human being for more than seven years without judgment is failing in the dispensation of justice,” Okonkwo stated.
Kanu was re-arrested in June 2021 and has since been held by the Department of State Services (DSS). His continued detention has drawn condemnation from various stakeholders, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and several South-East governors, all of whom have advocated for his release.
Okonkwo argued that the prolonged detention reflects a breakdown in legal procedure and urged authorities to either conclude the legal process or seek a political settlement.
“Nobody remains sane in jail for over seven years while a case is being tried. If nothing has been proven, then he should be released,” he added.
Public frustration has continued to grow over the issue, with pro-Kanu protests erupting in recent weeks, including a demonstration in Abuja that ended in chaos after security operatives allegedly fired live bullets.
The renewed calls for Kanu’s release highlight rising concerns about rule of law, human rights, and the broader political handling of separatist movements in Nigeria.
