The Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Youth Wing, has condemned the ongoing prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by the Nigerian government, calling it a collective persecution of the southeastern people (Ndigbo).
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Awka by its National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Chika Art Adiele, the organisation responded to the jurisdictional debate surrounding Kanu’s terrorism charges. This came after Kanu’s latest appearance before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the long-standing legal battle continued.
Despite Kanu’s argument that Justice Nyako lacks the authority to preside over his case, the judge indefinitely postponed the trial.
Kanu, who was extradited to Nigeria in June 2021, has been held in detention and prosecuted for alleged terrorism. However, his trial hit a standstill after Justice Nyako withdrew from the case on September 24, 2024, following an oral request from the defense.
In a strong-worded reaction, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing accused Justice Nyako of deliberately prolonging Kanu’s trial without ensuring fairness.
“Our attention has once again been drawn to the latest courtroom spectacle orchestrated by Justice Binta Nyako, who appears determined to subject Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to endless legal proceedings devoid of justice.
“It is deeply troubling that the rule of law is being openly trampled upon by a judge who seems to be following a pre-planned script.
“As a people, we believe that Justice Binta Nyako’s handling of this case is an outright distortion of logic, ignoring the undeniable reality that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a bona fide Nigerian citizen with fundamental rights that cannot be taken away.
“We struggle to comprehend why she is persistently persecuting Kanu when the legal facts are clear, resorting instead to manipulation, bias, and destructive motives to satisfy her own agenda.
“We are here to reaffirm that justice delayed is justice denied. We, therefore, demand Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s immediate release and full compensation for his ordeal.
“Anything less will reinforce our belief that this trial is not just about Kanu but a broader attempt to suppress the Igbo people.
“Igbo youths are advocates of peace and the rule of law. Justice Binta Nyako must not mistake our commitment to legal fairness as a sign of weakness. Let justice be served!” the statement concluded.
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