Igbos Face Injustice While Others Walk Free — Ejimakor Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu

The campaign demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has entered a new phase as activist Omoyele Sowore announced preparations for a nationwide protest set to hold on October 20 in Abuja.

The movement, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is fast gaining traction among civic and political groups across Nigeria.

Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his controversial rendition from Kenya — a move his lawyers have long condemned as illegal. Despite multiple court orders, including a 2022 Court of Appeal ruling directing his release, the Federal Government has refused to comply, citing “national security concerns.”

Sowore, in a statement shared on (Twitter), said the peaceful protest would take place at the Presidential Villa to demand an end to what he described as “selective justice.”

“I will set aside my differences with some politicians for one cause,” Sowore wrote. “It’s time for action, not rhetoric. Let’s march peacefully to Aso Rock to demand justice for Nnamdi Kanu. Every Igbo leader, traditional ruler, lawmaker, and Nigerian who believes in fairness should join us.”

Several civil society and human rights groups, including SERAP, Afenifere, and FENRAD, have thrown their weight behind the campaign, calling Kanu’s prolonged detention unlawful and politically motivated.

The protest gained fresh momentum after President Bola Tinubu granted pardons to several high-profile convicts — including ex-military officers and politicians — but excluded Nnamdi Kanu, a move that triggered widespread outrage.

Sowore condemned the decision, calling it “glaring hypocrisy.”

“Tinubu pardons convicted criminals and fraudsters but refuses to release Nnamdi Kanu, who only demanded self-determination. That’s not justice — that’s selective persecution,” he said.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in, describing Kanu’s continued detention as a “stain on justice”, urging Tinubu to obey court rulings.

Sowore further revealed that he had met with former President Goodluck Jonathan, who reportedly agreed that Kanu’s detention should be addressed “decisively and justly” and promised to raise the issue with President Tinubu.

However, the Presidency dismissed the growing agitation.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, accused Sowore and Atiku of politicizing a sensitive security matter.

“Nnamdi Kanu is facing trial for treason. Mobilizing protests in his name is an attempt to cause disorder,” Onanuga said.

In a separate interview with Naija News, Kanu’s lead counsel and human rights lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed his participation in the protest, reiterating that Kanu’s detention is both unconstitutional and discriminatory.

“I’ve always maintained that Nnamdi Kanu’s case is political, not legal. His extraordinary rendition invalidates any trial against him,” Ejimakor said. “The government’s refusal to obey court orders stems from deep-seated prejudice against the Igbo people. There’s no other logical explanation.”

He added that the protest would remain peaceful:

“Sowore is a man of peace, I am a man of peace, and everyone joining this cause believes in nonviolence. Our message is simple — enough is enough. Release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu now.”

Ejimakor concluded that once released, Kanu alone should decide his next steps.

“His future is his right to determine — freely and without coercion,” he said.