Ohanaeze Asks Tinubu Government to Urgently Release Nnamdi Kanu for Medical Treatment
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government to immediately release the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, so he can obtain urgent medical attention.
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The appeal was made by the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, who said the organisation was concerned about Kanu’s health and well-being while in detention. Ohanaeze asked the federal government to use its constitutional powers and diplomatic instruments to secure Kanu’s temporary release for treatment in the interest of equity, fairness and inclusive justice.
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“We respectfully call on President Bola Tinubu to deploy his constitutional powers and diplomatic instruments to enable Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to access proper medical care,” the statement read in part.
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Background: Kanu was repatriated to Nigeria after being detained in Kenya and has been facing terrorism-related charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Ohanaeze’s renewed demand comes amid growing calls from several groups and individuals for the detained leader’s release on humanitarian grounds, including concerns previously raised about his health. Ohanaeze noted that the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s arrest and extradition remain contentious and urged that humanitarian considerations be given priority.
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Government posture: Over recent months, some federal officials have indicated readiness to explore dialogue around Kanu’s situation. For instance, a federal minister has been quoted saying the government is open to negotiation, though not as a political bargaining chip. Ohanaeze’s plea places a direct moral and humanitarian responsibility on the presidency to consider medical release as an urgent, compassionate step.
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Reaction and implications: The call by Ohanaeze is likely to intensify public debate in the South-East and across Nigeria. Supporters of Kanu and various civic groups have in the past described prolonged detention without speedy resolution as corrosive to trust in the justice system; Ohanaeze’s intervention amplifies those concerns while framing the matter as both a legal and human-rights issue.
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What comes next: Ohanaeze has requested that the federal government act promptly and transparently if any temporary release for medical reasons is granted. Observers say that any such move would require coordination with security agencies and the judiciary, while preserving the integrity of ongoing legal processes.
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