Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has joined the growing demand for the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Sowore challenges South-East leaders to act

This development follows a call by Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), who urged prominent leaders such as Peter Obi, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and Atiku himself to lead a peaceful march to the Presidential Villa to demand Kanu’s release.

In a post shared on Instagram, Sowore criticised regional leaders for making what he described as “empty noise”, calling instead for decisive action to secure the IPOB leader’s freedom.

Atiku calls detention an ‘abuse of power’

Responding on Thursday via his social media accounts, Atiku called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to comply with court rulings and set Kanu free. He condemned the continued detention of the separatist leader despite several court orders granting him bail.

“The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains an open sore on our nation’s conscience and a stain on our belief in the rule of law,” Atiku wrote.

“Defying court orders that granted him bail is an abuse of power and an assault on justice. I, therefore, lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by Yele Sowore for his immediate release or due prosecution.

“We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal.”

Calls for justice grow louder

Atiku’s statement adds to the increasing pressure on the Federal Government to respect judicial pronouncements and resolve Kanu’s case in accordance with the law.

His intervention has been welcomed by many Nigerians who view the prolonged detention as a test of the country’s commitment to justice and democratic principles.