The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) have issued a strongly worded open letter to the Nigerian government, urging President Bola Tinubu to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The group, made up of military veterans of Igbo heritage living in the United States, described Kanu’s continued detention as unlawful and a violation of international human rights.
In their letter, signed by AVID President Chief Dr. Sylvester Onyia and Secretary Dr. Godson Obiagwu, the veterans cited multiple court rulings, including decisions by Nigerian courts and the United Nations, which they argue invalidate Kanu’s detention. They emphasized that the Nigerian government has no legal basis to continue holding Kanu and called on President Tinubu to act immediately in ensuring his release.
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The letter referenced several judicial decisions in favor of Kanu, starting with an October 26, 2022, judgment by the Federal High Court of Nigeria. The court declared that Kanu’s extradition from Kenya—described as an “extraordinary rendition”—was illegal and violated his fundamental human rights. The ruling further stated that his continued detention in Abuja was unconstitutional and amounted to a violation of his dignity and right to life under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
In December 2023, the Supreme Court of Nigeria also weighed in on the case. Despite remitting Kanu’s case back to the Federal High Court for trial, the court acknowledged that his initial detention was unlawful. It confirmed that he had been on bail when his home in Nigeria was invaded by heavily armed security forces, causing him to flee for safety. AVID noted that this attack, which forced Kanu into exile, was used as a false pretense to revoke his bail, issue an arrest warrant, and seize the bail bonds of his sureties.
“The government knew that their illegal actions made it impossible for Mr. Kanu to be in court for trial,” the letter stated. “Yet, they proceeded to revoke his bail and claim he had jumped bail when, in fact, he was fleeing for his life.”
UN’s Human Rights Ruling on Kanu’s Detention
Beyond Nigerian court decisions, AVID also cited a ruling by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in July 2022, which called on the Nigerian government to immediately release Kanu. The UN’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that his extradition from Kenya was unlawful and that Nigeria was obligated under international law to compensate him.
“The Working Group considers that, taking into account all the circumstances of the case, the appropriate remedy would be for the Government of Nigeria to release Mr. Kanu immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation,” the UNHRC’s 17-page decision stated.
The veterans emphasized that as a signatory to international human rights treaties, Nigeria is legally bound to implement the UN’s decision, adding that failure to do so undermines the country’s credibility in the global community.
A Political, Not Just a Legal Matter
AVID made it clear that the matter of Kanu’s detention has now moved beyond legal considerations to the political realm, placing responsibility directly on President Tinubu. They urged him to either reinstate Kanu’s bail, which was unlawfully revoked, or order a constitutional discontinuance of his prosecution.
“There is no gainsaying that this matter has transformed from the legal or judicial to the political, which is within the executive province and prerogatives of President Tinubu,” the letter asserted. “As the saying goes, the buck stops at the President’s table.”
Growing Pressure on Nigeria
Kanu’s prolonged detention has been a major point of contention both within Nigeria and internationally. Since his arrest in June 2021, his case has drawn widespread criticism from human rights organizations, legal experts, and political groups. His supporters argue that his detention is politically motivated and that he is being persecuted for advocating for the self-determination of the Igbo people through IPOB.
The Nigerian government has, however, maintained that Kanu faces serious charges, including treasonable felony and terrorism-related offenses. Despite court rulings ordering his release, authorities have refused to comply, sparking ongoing protests and diplomatic concerns.
As international pressure mounts, the Nigerian government is yet to respond to the latest call for Kanu’s release. It remains to be seen whether President Tinubu will heed the appeal from AVID and other stakeholders advocating for Kanu’s freedom.
For now, AVID’s letter serves as another strong reminder that Kanu’s case remains a significant issue in Nigeria’s political and legal landscape, with potential implications for the country’s human rights record and international reputation.
Buhari and the coalition of northern groups, CNG (Fulani)are known for every evil , terrorism, kidnapping (Umuaro Duko Kanu etc) beheading, and forceful displacement of indigenous nationalities. They are bent on using terror to intimidate, subjugate and suppress others whom the view infidels. They are anti development, anti education etc. They are lazy and comfortable as parasites amid huge resources in the north. They scared to have their own sovereign state where they can practice their religion, sharia and implement their backward ideology. Stop forcing yourselves on people you hate. What do you need them if not that you are scared of survival on your own. Seperate and Use your gold, livestock, and many menerals in the north to build your new nation.