A delegation of prominent Igbo elders on Wednesday stormed the Abia State Government House, Umuahia, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The elders, drawn from different parts of the Southeast, described Kanu’s continued detention as unjust and a major obstacle to peace and reconciliation in the region. They insisted that his release was long overdue, noting that several court rulings had ordered his freedom.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting with top government officials, the leader of the delegation said their mission was to “appeal to the conscience of the Nigerian state and to remind the government that justice delayed is justice denied.”
He added: “Nnamdi Kanu is not just an individual; he represents the voice and aspiration of millions of our people. Keeping him in detention has only deepened the grievances and tension in the Southeast. We are here to demand that he be released unconditionally, in line with court judgments, and in the interest of peace, unity, and justice.”
The elders further stressed that releasing Kanu would pave the way for meaningful dialogue, reduce insecurity, and foster reconciliation between the federal government and aggrieved groups in the region.
The visit comes at a time when calls for Kanu’s release have intensified, with civil society groups, religious leaders, and political stakeholders urging the government to explore political solutions to the issue.
Although Governor Alex Otti was yet to issue an official statement at press time, government sources confirmed that the demands of the elders were formally received and would be communicated to the appropriate authorities.
The delegation warned that continued disregard of court orders on Kanu’s case could set a dangerous precedent, erode public confidence in the judiciary, and further alienate the Southeast from the Nigerian project.
