Igbo Groups Urge Tinubu To Free Nnamdi Kanu Over Poor Health

Igbo communities in Canada have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), citing his worsening health and the growing insecurity in the South-East.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Anicetus Nwizundu, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Canada, the group said Kanu’s continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) for over four years had taken a serious toll on his health.

Nwizundu described Kanu as “a prominent voice advocating for the rights and dignity of the Igbo people” and urged the Federal Government to show compassion by facilitating his release. He said several medical specialists, including cardiologists, who examined Kanu confirmed his deteriorating condition.

“We implore the Federal Government to act swiftly to release him before it’s too late,” the statement read.

The group noted that Kanu’s agitation stemmed from his campaign against the marginalisation of the Igbo people, lamenting that Igbos continue to be treated as “second-class citizens” in Nigeria.

They also raised concerns about the worsening insecurity in the South-East, saying many residents now live in fear due to rampant violence and instability.

“There is no safety in Igboland today. People can no longer travel freely or sleep peacefully at night,” the statement added.

The diaspora group expressed confidence that Kanu’s release would help restore peace and reconciliation in the region, describing it as a necessary step toward national healing.

“The release of Nnamdi Kanu would foster peace and harmony in Igboland and correct many wrongs afflicting our homeland,” the statement concluded.

Kanu’s legal battle continues at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice James Omotosho recently dismissed his no-case submission and ordered him to open his defence. Earlier, another judge, Justice Musa Liman, adjourned an application by Kanu’s lawyers seeking his transfer to the National Hospital for urgent medical care after his brother, Emmanuel Kanu, deposed to an affidavit about his life-threatening heart condition.