January 14, (THEWILL) – The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 27, 2021, following his extradition to Nigeria after his re-arrest in Kenya on June 19, 2021.
In a statement on Tuesday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, condemned the federal government for its persistent disregard of court rulings, including those of Nigerian courts and directives from international human rights bodies, such as the United Nations Human Rights Council.
HURIWA described Kanu’s 30-month detention without lawful cause as a grave miscarriage of justice that undermines the nation’s democracy and respect for the rule of law.
“The prolonged and unconstitutional incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu is not just a personal tragedy but a stain on Nigeria’s commitment to justice, human rights, and democratic principles,” the statement read.
The group has demanded that the federal government compensate Kanu to the tune of N100 billion for his unconstitutional detention and the dehumanisation he has endured.
It further stated that Kanu’s ongoing detention has exacerbated insecurity in the South-East, leading to significant economic decline in the region.
HURIWA estimated that the insecurity caused by the government’s heavy-handed approach has resulted in billions of naira in lost revenue, disrupted education, and increased unemployment, especially among the youth in the South-East.
In addition to demanding Kanu’s release, HURIWA called for the federal government to compensate each of the five South-East states with N100 billion to address the economic damage caused by insecurity, mass arrests, and systemic neglect.
“We call for his immediate and unconditional release, as directed by multiple court rulings, and demand a public apology from the federal government along with N100 billion in compensation for the dehumanisation he has suffered,” the group said.
HURIWA also emphasised the economic impact of the unlawful arrests and detentions of hundreds of Igbo youths under the guise of belonging to IPOB, which, it claimed, has led to a climate of fear and instability in the South-East.
“The economic bleeding of the South-East zone, perpetuated by the unlawful arrests and detention of hundreds of Igbo youths, has created a climate of fear and instability. This has deterred investments, shuttered businesses, and left millions struggling to survive,” HURIWA stated.
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