Ohanaeze speaks out on the Court of Appeal decision releasing Nnamdi Kanu

The umbrella Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has welcomed the decision of the Court of Appeal, which ordered the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from the guard of the State Security Services (SSS).

On Thursday, the Abuja Court of Appeal ruled that the IPOB chief had been "extraordinarily" returned to Nigeria and that the action constituted a clear breach of the country's extradition treaty as well as a violation of his fundamental rights.< /p>

The court therefore quashed the terrorism charges brought against Mr. Kanu by the Nigerian government and ordered his release.

Responding, in a statement Thursday from his spokesperson, Chiedozie Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze Ndigbo described the decision as “a boost for Nigerian democracy and a sign that better days lie ahead.”

“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Ambassador, Professor George Obiozor, CON, has argued that Nnamdi Kanu is a phenomenon that expresses injustice, orchestrated alienation and inequity against the Igbo people.

“On the other hand, all oppressed groups in Nigeria are symbolized in Nnamdi Kanu. Nnamdi Kanu therefore symbolizes the Igbo collective unconscious,” he said.

The group said the decision had sparked excitement in the south east because the detention and trial of the IPOB leader "caused huge apprehensions" in the region, resulting in "every a sit-at-home on Monday, its enforcement by unknown gunmen". , the roadblocks on the main roads in all parts of the Igbo territory and, ultimately, the monumental loss of goods, especially in southeastern Nigeria. »

Ohanaeze hailed the Court of Appeal judges for their courage and righteousness in delivering "this historic judgment" in favor of Mr. Kanu, whom the group described as "a hero".

"Our joy knows no bounds. Indeed, southeastern Nigeria was once the most peaceful geopolitical area in the country. But, since April 2021, when Owerri Correctional Center was overwhelmed by armed strangers and that more than 1800 detainees were released, the Southeast has not known peace.

"Today is Eureka! A glorious day, a day of newfound peace; a day of profound peace; a day of rebirth and indeed a day that injects a basic impulse and momentum into rebirth Above all, it is a remarkable day that clears the coast for the irreversible contagious Nigerian movement for 2023,” Ohanaeze said.

The government, however, maintained that it would not release Mr. Kanu, despite the court ruling.

Nigeria's Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in a statement on Thursday evening by his spokesperson, Umar Gwandu, argued that the Court of Appeal only acquitted Mr. Kanu , and did not acknowledge it.

Mr. Malami said the government is considering its legal options and may pursue further charges against the IPOB chief.

The Attorney General said the Court of Appeal's decision "deals with a single issue that borders on restitution."

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