US-Based Groups Seek Kanu’s Release Over Health Concerns

Two US-based teams advocating self-determination have known as for the discharge of Nnamdi Kanu, citing issues about his well being and demanding that Nigeria recognise the correct to self-determination by a referendum.

The teams, Avid Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, made the calls for in a joint assertion signed by Dr Sylvester Onyia, Mazi Evans Nwankwo and Dede Maxwell on Thursday.

They additionally known as for Kanu’s fast medical evacuation and therapy, alongside respect for his basic human rights.

The teams argued that calls for for a referendum on self-determination must be addressed by democratic processes moderately than legal prosecution.

They cited latest developments within the United Kingdom, together with discussions and parliamentary motion regarding self-determination, as examples of how such calls for could possibly be debated inside democratic establishments.

“If the United Kingdom can allow open debate and parliamentary votes on self-determination in 2026, by what twisted logic does Nigeria criminalise the same demand?” the assertion stated.

The teams known as for the inclusion of a referendum as a constitutional proper in Nigeria, arguing that individuals ought to have the chance to find out their political future.

They additionally maintained that Kanu’s name for a referendum shouldn’t, in itself, be handled as a legal act.

On his well being, the organisations alleged that Kanu was not receiving sufficient medical consideration and demanded his fast evacuation for therapy.

“The deliberate neglect of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s health in detention is not merely inhumane,” the assertion stated.

The teams additional questioned Britain’s response to Kanu’s case, noting that he’s a British citizen. They known as on the British authorities to press Nigeria for explanations regarding his therapy and the authorized proceedings in opposition to him.

They additionally raised issues concerning the dealing with of his attraction in opposition to his conviction, questioning why the case had not been heard.

Kanu, the chief of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was convicted on terrorism-related costs and sentenced to life imprisonment by a courtroom in Sokoto in September 2026.

The teams stated his case raised questions concerning the therapy of individuals advocating self-determination and known as for better safety of basic rights.

They argued that Kanu’s political calls for must be thought-about inside discussions about justice, fairness and federalism in Nigeria.

The assertion additionally urged Nigerians to help peaceable debate on the nation’s political future, insisting that individuals ought to be capable of categorical their views on self-determination with out concern.

The organisations demanded Kanu’s launch, medical therapy and recognition of the correct to find out the way forward for communities by a referendum.