Table of Contents
- Protest Accusation Against the Government
- Lawyer's Statement
- Protest Organizers' Plans
- Police Warning
- Call to Action for Nigerians
In anticipation of the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, the Nigerian government has faced accusations of violating its own judiciary by continuing to detain the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Barrister Njoku Jude Njoku, a member of the Nnamdi Kanu Defence Consortium—a group of lawyers advocating for the release of the Biafra activist—made this claim in a statement on Sunday.
The organizers of the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protest, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, have announced their intention to occupy the Presidential Villa in Abuja to demand Kanu's release.
Nonetheless, the Nigeria Police Force has cautioned against the protest, advising demonstrators to avoid the Presidential Villa and its surroundings.
Despite this, the organizers have affirmed that the protest will proceed, insisting on the unconditional release of the IPOB leader.
In a statement titled ‘#ReleaseNnamdiKanu – The Law Is Clear!’, Njoku asserted that Kanu's ongoing detention is not only unlawful but also a national shame.
The lawyer emphasized that the IPOB leader has already been acquitted and released by the Court of Appeal.
He urged the Federal Government to comply with the Court of Appeal's ruling by releasing Kanu.
The statement read: “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s detention is not just illegal — it’s a national disgrace. The government is disregarding its own courts and undermining the Constitution.
“Here’s the reality they prefer you don’t know: The Court of Appeal has cleared him!
On October 13, 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted Kanu. That’s conclusive! Yet the DSS continues to detain him. That’s blatant contempt — defying the rule of law.
“The Supreme Court overstepped! It distorted justice by reversing a clear acquittal based on an unlawful rendition. This action undermines the Doctrine of Finality — meaning no one’s acquittal is secure anymore.
“Double jeopardy is a crime! Trying him again after an acquittal violates Section 36(9) of the Constitution. You cannot punish a person twice for the same offense.
“Obsolete law, obsolete case! They’re prosecuting him under the repealed Terrorism Act of 2013. That law no longer exists — so what are they even charging him with?”
Calling on Nigerians to support the movement for Kanu’s release, Njoku highlighted that the protest represents not just Kanu, but the fight for freedom, dignity, and justice for all Nigerians.
“This struggle is larger than any one individual.
It concerns every Nigerian’s right to justice, dignity, and freedom. When the state infringes on one person’s rights, it jeopardizes us all.
“Our demand is straightforward: Adhere to the law. Enforce the acquittal. Release Nnamdi Kanu now,” the statement concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protest about?
The protest is aimed at demanding the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, who has been detained despite being acquitted by the Court of Appeal.
Who is leading the protest?
The protest is being led by activist Omoyele Sowore and other supporters of Nnamdi Kanu.
What are the legal arguments presented for Kanu's release?
The legal arguments include the fact that Kanu was acquitted by the Court of Appeal, making his continued detention illegal, and that attempts to try him again violate the principle of double jeopardy as outlined in the Constitution.
