The Injustice of Prolonged Detention: A Reflection on Nnamdi Kanu's Case by Senator Shehu Sani
posted 11th February 2025
The Injustice of Prolonged Detention: A Reflection on Nnamdi Kanu's Case- Shehu Sani
The Injustice of Prolonged Detention: A Reflection on Nnamdi Kanu's Case
Shehu Sani, a former Nigerian senator and human rights activist, recently voiced a poignant perspective on X regarding the prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). His words resonate deeply, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by individuals subjected to indefinite incarceration without timely judicial review.
Sani stated, "Keeping a man in prolonged detention and postponing his case indefinitely is totally unfair. I know there are sentiments and fears but injustice is not the way to justice. A problem can’t be solved by stopping the clock. I have been in prolonged prison to know the pains and anguish of isolation. Until you experience the cell, you will never know the cell. Just my personal view."
These words carry the weight of personal experience and moral authority. Having endured the agony of prolonged imprisonment himself, Sani's reflection transcends political rhetoric, offering a raw, human insight into the emotional and psychological torment that accompanies such isolation. His testimony underscores a fundamental truth: justice delayed is justice denied.
The continuous postponement of Kanu's legal proceedings not only violates his fundamental human rights but also undermines the credibility of the judicial system. Legal frameworks exist to ensure fairness, accountability, and the protection of individual liberties. When these frameworks are manipulated or ignored, it erodes public trust and perpetuates cycles of resentment and division.
Moreover, the justification of such detentions based on "sentiments and fears" is a dangerous precedent. It suggests that subjective perceptions can override objective legal standards, paving the way for abuses of power. As Sani aptly puts it, "injustice is not the way to justice." Addressing political or security challenges requires adherence to the rule of law, not the suspension of it.
The case of Nnamdi Kanu is more than a legal matter; it is a litmus test for Nigeria's commitment to human rights and democratic principles. The government must recognize that solving political issues through repression only deepens societal fractures. Genuine dialogue, fair trials, and respect for civil liberties are the cornerstones of lasting peace and stability.
In conclusion, Shehu Sani's heartfelt message serves as a powerful reminder that the measure of a just society lies in how it treats its most vulnerable, including those who challenge the status quo. The path to true justice is not paved with indefinite detentions and delayed trials but with fairness, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity.
