ABUJA – A coalition of American military veterans of Igbo descent (AVID) has issued a strong call for fairness and justice in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). They have urged the new presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, to uphold the rule of law and ensure that Kanu gets a fair hearing, insisting that he is a “prisoner of conscience.”
Their statement comes just 24 hours after Kanu’s family confirmed that he plans to defend himself in court when proceedings resume on March 21. The case was recently transferred to Justice Omotosho after Justice Binta Nyako stepped down.
In a joint statement, AVID President Dr. Sylvester Onyia, Rising Sun President Chief Dede Maxwell, and Ambassadors for Self-Determination President Chief Evans Nwankwo condemned the delays in Kanu’s trial. They described his continued detention as a violation of human rights, citing past court rulings—including a Court of Appeal decision—that dismissed the charges against him.
“Nigeria is on Trial” – AVID Warns
The coalition strongly criticized the Nigerian government’s refusal to implement court rulings in Kanu’s favor, pointing out that:
- The United Nations Human Rights Council in July 2022 declared that Kanu’s extradition from Kenya and continued detention violated international law and called for his immediate release.
- The Supreme Court of Nigeria ruled in December 2023 that revoking Kanu’s bail was wrong, meaning it should have been automatically reinstated.
Given these precedents, the group questioned why the government is still pursuing charges against him.
“Justice Omotosho, The World is Watching!”
AVID also issued a warning to Justice Omotosho, urging him not to become an accomplice in what they call a politically motivated case.
“As a judge, make no mistake: This case was inherited by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, but the world is watching. You cannot pile illegality on top of illegality and expect Nigeria to thrive.”
They further accused former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration of orchestrating Kanu’s ordeal, suggesting that the case has now been pushed onto Tinubu to create division between the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups.
“Release Kanu Now!”
The veterans made their stance clear:
Nnamdi Kanu has no case to answer. Free him now!
His safety must be guaranteed while in detention.
Nigeria’s justice system is being tested, and history will judge those who fail it.
With March 21 fast approaching, the spotlight is on Justice Omotosho and President Tinubu—will they uphold the rule of law, or continue what critics call an unjust persecution?
