Protest in Umuahia as Igbo Elders Demand Release of IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu

Igbo elders staged a peaceful protest on Wednesday at the Abia State Government House, urging Governor Alex Otti and other South East governors to press for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ahead of a court ruling on his detention.

The group, under the banner of the Igbo Elders Forum, warned that Kanu’s health is deteriorating in custody and accused authorities of denying him adequate medical care.

“We came to register our annoyance and our feelings. Our son is still in detention and is very sick yet they are denying him access to medical care. Why are they negotiating with armed robbers and bandits but still holding him?” spokesperson Emeka Ezebuiro told reporters outside the government house in Umuahia.

The elders said they would extend their appeal to other South East governors, insisting that a united stance could help secure Kanu’s release.

Separately, Igbo Think Tank North America alleged in a letter to Igbo governors and political leaders that a “silent genocide” was underway against Igbo youths, urging protection of communities from killings, invasions and destruction.

A Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to rule on Friday, Sept. 26, on a no-case submission filed by Kanu. The case, originally scheduled for October, was brought forward.

Kanu, arrested in 2021 after jumping bail in 2017, faces charges including terrorism. IPOB has long campaigned for an independent state in southeast Nigeria.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more updates on IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu’s release