Ejimakor Urges South-East Governors to Unite for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

By Abah Margaret

Human rights lawyer Aloy Ejimakor has called on governors of Nigeria’s South-East region to close ranks and pursue what he described as a “dignified political solution” to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

Ejimakor, a key member of Kanu’s legal team, made the appeal in a strongly worded message addressed to the governors, urging them to support the efforts of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.

“Like I had consistently done in private, let me go on record to publicly urge Your Excellencies to join hands with Governor Alex Otti in his sincere and determined efforts in seeking a dignified political solution that will end Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s incarceration sooner than later,” Ejimakor said.

He reminded the governors of a commitment he said they made in July 2024 to work towards resolving Kanu’s prolonged detention, stressing that such a promise must be honoured.

“Remember the promise Your Excellencies publicly made in July 2024. It’s said that a promise is a debt. This very debt is sacrosanct and long overdue,” he added.

Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has remained at the centre of a prolonged legal and political battle since his arrest and rendition from Kenya in 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged him, ruling that his rendition violated international law. However, the Federal Government secured a stay of execution, allowing his continued detention and trial at the Federal High Court.

Since then, the case has witnessed multiple adjournments, jurisdictional disputes, and allegations by his legal team that his fundamental rights have been violated while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Kanu’s continued detention has also been linked to rising tension in parts of the South-East, including the enforcement of sit-at-home orders and growing insecurity associated with pro-Biafra agitation.

Despite these concerns, the Federal Government has continued to pursue charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony against him, eventually securing a conviction. He was later transferred to a correctional facility in Sokoto.

In recent months, pressure has mounted on South-East political leaders to adopt a more united and decisive approach. Several groups, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo and prominent traditional rulers, have also called for a political resolution.

Governor Otti has emerged as one of the few regional leaders openly advocating dialogue, reportedly engaging federal authorities in efforts to resolve the matter.

Ejimakor’s latest intervention appears aimed at galvanising collective political action, warning that continued delay could worsen instability in the region.

As of the time of filing this report, none of the South-East governors has officially responded to the renewed call.