IPOB: US-Based Groups Demand Kanu’s Release, Raise Health Concerns

Two United States-based self-determination advocacy groups have called on the Nigerian government to release Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, citing concerns about his health in detention and urging authorities to recognise the right to self-determination through a referendum.

The groups, Avid Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, made the demands in a joint statement signed on Thursday by Dr Sylvester Onyia, Mazi Evans Nwankwo and Dede Maxwell.

They called for Kanu’s immediate medical evacuation and treatment, while urging the government to respect his fundamental human rights.

The organisations argued that calls for self-determination should be addressed through democratic processes rather than criminal prosecution. They cited developments in the United Kingdom, including parliamentary discussions on self-determination, as examples of how such issues could be debated within democratic institutions.

“If the United Kingdom can allow open debate and parliamentary votes on self-determination in 2026, by what twisted logic does Nigeria criminalise the same demand?” the statement queried.

The groups also called for the recognition of referendums as a constitutional means of allowing communities to determine their political future. They maintained that advocating for such a process should not, in itself, amount to a criminal offence.

Groups Raise Concerns Over Kanu’s Health

On Kanu’s health, the organisations alleged that he was not receiving adequate medical care while in detention. They called on the Nigerian authorities to ensure he receives appropriate treatment, including medical evacuation if necessary.

“The deliberate neglect of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s health in detention is not merely inhumane,” the statement said.

The groups also questioned the British government’s response to the case, noting that Kanu is a British citizen. They urged the UK government to seek clarification from Nigerian authorities regarding his treatment and the legal proceedings against him.

They further expressed concern over the handling of Kanu’s appeal against his conviction, questioning the delay in hearing the case.

Kanu, who leads IPOB, was convicted on terrorism-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in Sokoto in September 2026, according to the statement issued by the organisations.

The organisations said Kanu’s case raises wider questions about justice, fundamental rights and the treatment of individuals advocating self-determination.

They argued that political demands relating to self-determination should be considered within broader discussions about equity, justice and federalism in Nigeria.

The groups also urged Nigerians to support peaceful discussions about the country’s political future, insisting that citizens should be able to express their views on self-determination without fear.

They reiterated their demands for Kanu’s release, access to adequate medical care and recognition of the right of communities to determine their political future through a referendum.