Worsening Health: IPN Backs Demands for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

A socio-political group in the South-East, the Igbo Political Network (IPN), has joined growing calls for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The group also declared that it had invoked traditional deities to seek justice against those allegedly responsible for Kanu’s continued detention, describing his prolonged incarceration as an act of injustice and wickedness.

President of the Igbo Political Network, Chief Okemiri, made the remarks on Monday in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State.

He said, “The truth is that the time to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has come. It is unjust and inhumane to continue holding him despite court orders granting his release. We are no longer pleading; he must be set free.”

Okemiri argued that Kanu’s continued detention, despite legal rulings, reflects a systemic bias and portrays the Igbo people as second-class citizens. “Across Nigeria and beyond, this ongoing detention is seen as a deliberate attempt to suppress his fundamental rights. If individuals such as terrorists, drug traffickers, and murderers can be released, why is Nnamdi Kanu still behind bars?” he questioned.

He further alleged that some Igbo political figures may be complicit in Kanu’s continued detention. “We have come to the conclusion that his ordeal is being sustained by selfish Igbo leaders and politicians. There are strong indications that some of them are collaborating with external forces. As the saying goes, it’s the rat inside the house that tells the one outside where the food is. These leaders are acting against Kanu’s release for personal gain,” he said.

Commenting on reports of Kanu’s deteriorating health, Okemiri criticized the silence of some Igbo leaders, accusing them of indifference. “At this stage, when his health condition in DSS custody is said to be worsening, we expected Igbo leaders to speak out strongly for his freedom. Unfortunately, they have remained silent, driven by selfish interests,” he added.