By Milcah Tanimu
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has communicated to the Federal Government that he will not appeal for his release after being cleared by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja. In a letter dated August 25, 2023, and penned by Kanu’s lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, the statement conveyed Kanu’s position on the matter. The content of the letter was revealed late on August 28, 2023.
Kanu’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, previously raised concerns about the poor state of the detention facility where Kanu is being held by the Department of State Services (DSS). He requested the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to appoint a Magistrate to inspect the detention center.
In the letter, Kanu emphasized that seeking his freedom at this juncture would be an affront to the memory of the late Pa Mbazulike Amechi. He recounted that despite his old age and frail health, Pa Mbazulike Amechi had consistently traveled from the South-East to Abuja to plead with the Federal Government to honor his final wish. However, his pleas were disregarded.
According to Kanu’s counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, “Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu used the opportunity offered by the visit to extend his heartfelt gratitude to all people of good conscience and groups calling for his release.” Ejiofor further stated, “Thus, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is of the firm view that he does not need to beg the FGN to release him. The Court of Appeal has already made a pronouncement in that regard and that pronouncement has remained sacrosanct till date.”
Ejiofor continued to clarify that there are no pending charges against Kanu as of the present time. The focus, according to Kanu’s perspective, should be on the Supreme Court setting a date for the swift hearing of the Federal Government’s appeal.
Kanu’s legal team also informed that they have initiated proceedings against the State Security Service (SSS) for contempt of court due to the agency’s failure to provide Kanu with his medical records, as ordered by Justice Binta Nyako.
The situation highlights the legal complexities and procedural challenges surrounding Kanu’s detention and the larger issues at play in his case.
