A coalition of human rights activists in Benue State, under the banner of the Benue Concerned Citizens (BCC), has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is currently facing terrorism charges brought by the Nigerian government.
The demand was contained in a strongly worded statement issued on Friday and signed by Michael Oboh, Chairman, and Chief Chris Awo, Secretary. The statement, titled “Release Nnamdi Kanu Now – Freedom is Non-Negotiable. Benue Stands with the Nation. Our Patience Has Run Out,” called the prolonged detention of Kanu an “act of profound injustice.”
The group’s declaration follows a growing wave of national calls for Kanu’s release, including those from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other prominent Nigerians.
“The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is an act of profound injustice that we will no longer tolerate,” the statement read. “We are not alone. From the calls of Atiku Abubakar to the planned mass protests by citizens, the message is unified and clear: Release Nnamdi Kanu.”
The group condemned what it described as a “courtroom charade” of repeated adjournments, accusing the government of using Kanu’s health condition as a pretext to delay justice. “You cannot break a man through extraordinary rendition and then feign concern over his health to stall his freedom,” the group stated.
The BCC outlined three non-negotiable demands:
-
Immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.
-
An end to political persecution of self-determination advocates.
-
Respect for the rule of law, including compliance with judicial rulings.
The statement warned that if the government fails to act swiftly, the group will mobilize and join nationwide protests. “This is not a request. It is an ultimatum. Our silence is broken. Our patience is exhausted,” it declared.
Describing itself as a grassroots movement for justice and human rights, the BCC said its symbol, the palm tree, represents resilience, dignity, and unwavering commitment to truth.