The family of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release Kanu in honour of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The family emphasized that such a gesture would immortalize Iwuanyanwu, who passed away in July and will be buried on November 2nd.
They also urged Southeast governors and other regional stakeholders to come together and advocate for Kanu’s release, particularly in light of recent developments in his trial.
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The family explained that the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako, who had previously overseen Kanu’s trial, has created an opportunity for political dialogue and resolution.
They highlighted that Nyako’s refusal to adhere to Supreme Court orders had caused international embarrassment for Nigeria and undermined the credibility of the judiciary.
Prince Emmanuel Kanu, speaking on behalf of the family, asked President Tinubu to use this moment of judicial change to grant Kanu freedom, similar to the release of Sunday Igboho, leader of the Yoruba self-determination group.
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The family also appealed to the Southeast governors to take a proactive stance in securing Kanu’s release.
“We request the President to apply the same universal justice that was applied to the release of Sunday Igboho,” the family said in a statement.
“We also pray for the soul of the late Chief Iwuanyanwu and ask that the President and the Southeast governors show respect to him by releasing Nnamdi Kanu.”
They criticized the marginalization of the Igbo people in Nigeria, noting that despite being one of the three major tribes, they are often excluded from key decisions.
The family called for the full implementation of the “3 Rs”—Rehabilitation, Re-integration, and Restoration—to compensate for the damages caused by the Nigerian Civil War.
The family also condemned Southeast governors for their perceived lack of action regarding Kanu’s continued detention.
They urged them to step up and push for Kanu’s release, questioning why they had not worked together as other regions had to secure the freedom of their activists.
“South East Governors, why are you stopping the freedom of your own son?” the family questioned. “Why can’t you lead the charge to release your brother? What are you afraid of?”
The family also addressed misconceptions about Kanu’s intentions, explaining that while his rhetoric may have offended some, he does not harbor hatred.
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Instead, his primary focus has always been to express his dissatisfaction with the marginalization of his people.
They called on security agencies to view Kanu’s release not as a defeat but as a victory for national peace and security, urging them to see him as a partner in restoring stability to the region.
