Nnamdi Kanu Reaffirms Commitment to Rule of Law, Rejects Appeals for Pardon
posted 7th February 2025
8 February 2025
Abuja, Nigeria — During a recent visitation with his legal team, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has reiterated that the rule of law takes precedence over any form of executive discretion concerning his detention. In a press release issued by his legal counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu made several clarifications regarding the ongoing efforts to secure his release.
According to him “upholding the Rule of Law is More Important to Me Than Anything Else"
Kanu expressed his profound gratitude to individuals and groups advocating for his release but emphasised that his freedom should not be framed as an act of mercy, pardon, executive clemency, or amnesty. According to Kanu, his continued detention is unconstitutional, as declared by a subsisting Federal High Court judgment and international tribunal decisions that have separately ruled his detention unlawful.
Kanu stressed that his release should be viewed as a legal obligation to comply with existing court judgments rather than an act of executive benevolence. He highlighted that constitutional provisions allow the Attorney-General of the Federation, under the President's directive, to discontinue prosecutions, which could be applied in his case.
Mazi Kanu firmly rejected any pleas for clemency on his behalf, asserting that he has committed no crime. He emphasised that self-determination is an inalienable right protected under Nigerian law, as well as international frameworks including those of the United Nations, the United Kingdom, and Kenya. He warned that appeals for pardon could inadvertently legitimise the criminalisation of this fundamental right.
He cautioned that calls for clemency might be misinterpreted as permission for the executive or judiciary to sidestep constitutional mandates. He underscored the importance of adhering strictly to the principles enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and the country's international treaty obligations.
Kanu’s legal team led by Aloy Ejimakor urged supporters to adopt the approach of groups such as Afenifere, Ohaneze, the World Igbo Congress (WIC), and international bodies like the Ambassadors for Self-Determination. These organisations have called for Kanu's release based on legal and moral grounds, asserting that he has committed no offence known to law. Kanu also pointed out that it is the Nigerian government that should express contrition for engaging in extraordinary rendition, which constitutes a state crime under international and common law.
Kanu expressed heartfelt thanks to all those tirelessly working towards the restoration of peace and stability in Igboland.
