Atiku Abubakar Demands Immediate Release of Nnamdi Kanu, Calls Detention an Abuse of Power

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly urged President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, without further delay.

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Despite multiple court rulings granting him bail, he remains detained a situation that continues to spark national and international criticism.

Atiku’s statement came shortly after activist and 2023 AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore challenged prominent Nigerian leaders including 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 freedom.

Responding via his social media pages on Thursday, Atiku condemned the Federal Government’s disregard for judicial orders, describing Kanu’s continued detention as “an open sore on the nation’s conscience” and “a blatant abuse of power.”

“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 said. “Defying court orders that granted him bail is an assault on justice. I stand in full support of the campaign led by Yele Sowore for his immediate release or fair prosecution.”

Atiku further emphasized that the government’s defiance of court rulings undermines Nigeria’s democracy and erodes public trust in the judicial system.

His remarks have amplified growing calls for justice and adherence to the rule of law, with many Nigerians urging President Tinubu’s administration to demonstrate true commitment to fairness and due process by resolving the case.