Atiku Joins Voices Supporting Sowore’s Demand for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, describing his continued detention as a violation of the rule of law and a blight on Nigeria’s justice system.

In a statement shared on his X handle on Thursday, Atiku expressed full support for the campaign initiated by human rights activist and 2023 African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, advocating Kanu’s freedom.

“The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains an open sore on our nation’s conscience and a stain on our belief in the rule of law. Defying court orders that granted him bail is an abuse of power and an assault on justice,” Atiku wrote.

He added, “I lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by @YeleSowore for his immediate release or due prosecution. We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as another unhealed wound in our nation.”

Sowore had earlier urged South-East governors, lawmakers, traditional and religious leaders to join a planned demonstration calling for Kanu’s release. He noted that he had reached out to several prominent figures, including Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, seeking their participation in the movement.

According to Sowore, he also contacted Atiku through his aides, while Senator Abaribe promised to revert. He added that members of the Abia State House of Assembly were considering a visit to the Attorney General of the Federation before taking further action.

“This is not the time for hesitation. If we truly believe that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act now, not later,” Sowore stated.

Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services since his arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021. Despite multiple court orders, including an October 2022 ruling by the Court of Appeal that discharged and acquitted him, the Federal Government has yet to release him.

The IPOB leader still faces charges of terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement before the Federal High Court in Abuja, all of which he has denied.