The United Nations POLAC Peace Consul and Secretary-General of the Board of Trustees (BOT), H.E. Ambassador Bishop Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, a former presidential candidate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has joined millions of Nigerians and the international community in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to the Peace Consul, the prolonged detention of Kanu represents not only a human rights concern but also a symbol of the continued struggle for equity, justice, and self-determination among the Igbo people. She emphasized that as a nation striving for unity and progress, Nigeria must embrace dialogue, empathy, and inclusivity rather than repression.
“As a champion of peace, justice, and human rights, I am compelled to appeal for Kanu’s release. His continued detention reminds us of the urgent need for fairness and reconciliation in our national discourse,” she said.
Adesanya-Davies further urged President Bola Tinubu to show statesmanship by ordering Kanu’s release, noting that such a move would promote peace, national stability, and trust in governance.
“We call on President Tinubu to act, not out of weakness, but as a father of the nation. The international community is watching. Let us prove that Nigeria upholds justice, the rule of law, and respect for human dignity,” she added.
International Intervention
Several international actors and governments have been linked to Nnamdi Kanu’s case:
United States: Kanu has petitioned the U.S. government, citing human rights violations and urging for Magnitsky-style sanctions against Nigerian officials. The U.S. Embassy has also issued security alerts over unrest connected to his detention.
Israel: Kanu has identified with Israel, claiming the Igbo people are part of the lost tribes of Israel. Reports suggest that Israeli officials have shown concern for his safety and vowed to protect his rights as one of their citizens.
African Leaders’ Support
Some African leaders have publicly shown solidarity with Kanu’s cause:
King Mohammed VI of Morocco reportedly offered rare earth materials in exchange for Kanu’s release, condemning Nigeria’s treatment of the Igbo people.
His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom, visited Nigeria to express concern over Kanu’s detention, insisting that “justice delayed is justice denied.”
Both leaders emphasized that Kanu’s plight transcends ethnic lines and represents a broader African struggle for justice and human rights.
National Groups’ Position
Several Nigerian groups and organizations have also joined the call for Kanu’s release:
South East Governors: Some, including Hope Uzodinma and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have expressed openness to peaceful dialogue and possible support for Kanu’s freedom.
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS): The group announced plans for a nationwide protest on October 20, 2025, demanding Kanu’s release as a step toward justice and accountability.
United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC): The elders have called for unconditional release, compensation, and rehabilitation for Kanu, and have formed a delegation to visit him in custody.
South East Leaders: According to Works Minister Dave Umahi, regional leaders are prepared to negotiate his freedom to foster peace in the Southeast.
Southern Youth Groups: Youth leaders from 17 southern states have urged Kanu’s release, advocating the creation of a National Peace and Development Commission to address ethnic grievances.
Igbo Community Association (ICA), FCT: The association, led by Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, visited Kanu in DSS custody and expressed optimism for his release.
Ibeku Youths Association: The group has also written to President Tinubu, appealing for Kanu’s release as a demonstration of equity and justice.
International Organizations’ Involvement
Kanu’s case has attracted global attention, with several international organizations advocating for his release:
InterSociety: An international rights body that wrote an open letter condemning Kanu’s detention.
Coalition of Igbo-British Lawyers: A UK-based group that criticized his “illegal rendition” from Kenya to Nigeria.
United Kingdom: Kanu has petitioned the UK government, claiming violations of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
European Union: The EU has been approached to intervene in his detention and trial.
United States: U.S.-based advocacy groups have continued pressing for Kanu’s freedom.
Amnesty International and Red Cross: Both organizations were reportedly petitioned for intervention and monitoring of his welfare.
African Union and ECOWAS Court: Petitions were also sent to these bodies, citing breaches of Kanu’s fundamental rights.
Prominent Figures And Advocate
Several political and public figures across Africa have voiced support for Kanu’s release:
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo: Met with South East leaders to discuss reconciliation and possible release.
Activist Omoyele Sowore: Continues to champion Kanu’s freedom through protests and campaigns.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar: Identified as one of the influential voices who could mediate Kanu’s release.
Late Chief Edwin Clark: The elder statesman and PANDEF chairman advocated for Igbo inclusion and justice.
Hon. Amobi Ogah and Hon. Obi Aguocha: Both lawmakers have consistently called for Kanu’s freedom as essential for peace in the Southeast.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo: The apex Igbo socio-cultural group urged President Tinubu to release Kanu as a gesture of goodwill and unity.
Why His Release Matters
Advocates for Kanu’s release argue that doing so would promote:
Peace and stability in the Southeast region.
Justice and fairness for all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity.
National unity and inclusivity in governance.
In her concluding remarks, Ambassador Adesanya-Davies reaffirmed her solidarity with Kanu’s family, the IPOB community, and all Nigerians seeking justice and equity.
“Together, we can build a more peaceful and inclusive Nigeria where every citizen is treated with dignity and fairness,” she declared.
Signed:
Iquo Halo Eton
Special Assistant/Public Relations
Office of the United Nations POLAC Peace Consul & Secretary-General of BOT, UN-POLAC (PC, SG)
H.E. Ambassador Bishop Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
