Nnamdi Kanu Rejects Calls For Mercy, Says He Committed No Crime

Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has warned against appeals for his release, stressing that he has not committed any crime.

His lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, conveyed this message in a statement on Saturday, following calls made by some South East leaders for his release.

In the statement, Ejimakor explained that Kanu is appreciative of the widespread calls for his freedom but made it clear that his release should not be viewed as an act of mercy or clemency. “The matter of releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not an act of mercy, pardon, executive clemency or even amnesty. Instead, it should be an act of simply complying with the subsisting Federal High Court judgment that declared his detention as unconstitutional or even the extant international tribunal decisions that separately declared his detention as unlawful,” Ejimakor stated.

Kanu, according to Ejimakor, wants to make clear that he committed no crime. “Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is adamant that nobody should plead or beg anybody on his behalf because he has committed no crime,” the statement read. Kanu maintains that self-determination, the real issue in his case, is a fundamental right guaranteed under the laws of Nigeria, the United Nations, the United Kingdom, and Kenya. “Self-determination, which is the real issue that got twisted to suddenly become a high crime, is an inalienable right guaranteed under the laws of Nigeria, the United Nations, the United Kingdom and Kenya. Thus, the perverse and unlawful criminalisation of his exercise of this right should not unwittingly be encouraged through some misguided appeals for pardon, clemency or mercy,” he added.

The statement further clarified that Kanu’s release should not be perceived as an act of mercy but as a step toward complying with the rule of law. “Thus, releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not an act of mercy or pardon but an act of abiding by the rule of law,” Ejimakor stated.

Kanu also expressed concern over the potential misunderstanding of calls for his release. “In as much as those calling for his release are sincere, their calls for pardon or clemency may be misconstrued as a green light to the executive branch or even the courts to violate the rule of law by continuing to subject Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to a prosecution or trial that does not comport with the tenets of the Constitution and Nigeria’s treaty obligations,” Ejimakor quoted Kanu as saying.

Instead of pleading, Kanu suggested that those advocating for his release should emulate the approach taken by various groups. “Instead of begging, those desiring his release should emulate the language and tact used by Afenifere, Ohaneze, World Igbo Congress (WIC), ranking members of the National Assembly, American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), Ambassadors for Self Determination (based in America), the international community and a host of others who have made it clear that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves to be released because he has committed no offence known to law,” Kanu said.

He also pointed out that the Nigerian government was responsible for his extraordinary rendition, calling it a crime under international law. “If truth be told, it is Nigeria’s executive branch which extraordinarily renditioned Mazi Nnamdi Kanu that should show contrition for resorting to extraordinary rendition which is a State crime under international law and the common law,” Kanu emphasized.

Kanu concluded by urging those advocating for his release to focus on ensuring that the case is handled justly. “If any begging must be done, it should be directed to the Courts to conduct his cases and that of IPOB with the utmost impartiality and adherence to rule of law, equity and good conscience,” he stated.

Finally, Kanu expressed his gratitude to those working for peace in his region. “Most importantly, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu sincerely thanks everyone working assiduously towards the restoration of security, tranquility and good order in his beloved Igboland,” the statement concluded.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG