The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has urged Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja to ensure absolute impartiality in the trial of Biafra nation agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, who faces terrorism charges brought by the federal government.
The group insists that Kanu is a prisoner of conscience and should not be on trial, arguing that he has committed no crime under Nigerian or international law.
Kanu is scheduled to appear before Justice Omotosho on Friday, March 21, as the federal government continues its prosecution.
Concerns Over Extraordinary Rendition and Unlawful Detention
In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, AVID recalled Kanu’s extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria and his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS), despite multiple court rulings in his favor.
The statement was jointly signed by:
Dr. Sylvester Onyia, President of AVID
Chief Dede Maxwell, President of Rising Sun
Chief Engr. Evans Nwankwo, President of Ambassadors for Self-Determination
It read in part:
> “The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), in conjunction with the Rising Sun and the Ambassadors for Self-Determination—all based in the Continental United States (CONUS)—have closely monitored Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case and the systemic injustices he has suffered in Nigeria.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, has committed no crime. We are aware of his extraordinary rendition from Kenya and his unlawful detention in the DSS facility. We are also aware of various court rulings in his favor that the federal government has refused to implement.”
UN and Supreme Court Rulings Ignored
The group referenced an opinion issued by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in July 2022, which called for Kanu’s immediate release and his right to compensation under international law.
They also cited a December 2023 ruling by Nigeria’s Supreme Court, which held that revoking Kanu’s bail was unlawful. The court’s decision should have restored his bail automatically, as provided under Section 287(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which states:
“The decisions of the Supreme Court shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court.”
Call for Justice and Warning to Justice Omotosho
The group expressed frustration over the continued prosecution of Kanu despite his acquittal by previous courts.
“Since he has already been acquitted, why is the government still pushing for prosecution? Kanu has no case to answer. We demand his immediate and unconditional release.”
They also cautioned Justice Omotosho regarding Kanu’s safety, drawing a sharp analogy:
“We stand firm in our declaration that a rapist must not try his victim. Justice Omotosho must not make the mistake of disregarding the judicial precedents in this case.”
Furthermore, they accused the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari of using Kanu’s case as a political tool, now handed over to President Bola Tinubu.
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“The Buhari administration, led by Fulani interests, orchestrated this injustice against the Igbo people. Now, they have conveniently passed the burden onto a Yoruba president, hoping to sow discord between the Igbos and Yorubas. Be wise.”
The group reaffirmed its demand for justice, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law, warning that the world is watching how Nigeria handles Kanu’s case.
