LagosExplorer reports: In a joint statement signed by its President, Comrade Isah Atiku Abubakar, and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Orowole Eniola, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a strong appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to order the immediate and unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, founder of Radio Biafra and leader of IPOB, rose to prominence in the early 2010s through his fiery broadcasts advocating for the secession of the South-East. His movement gained massive followership among Igbo youths but triggered repeated clashes with the Nigerian government. First arrested in 2015 and later granted bail, Kanu fled Nigeria before being re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to face trial. His detention has since remained one of the country’s most divisive political issues, sparking protests, legal battles, and mounting calls for a political solution.
The student body described Kanu’s prolonged incarceration as “a matter of serious concern” and called on the President to adopt a political solution rather than prolong the legal tussles. “Kanu has been in detention since June 27, 2021, after his arrest in Kenya and subsequent extradition to Nigeria. It is evident that he has been granted bail on several occasions by courts of competent jurisdiction, yet those judgments have not been enforced nor officially denied by the Federal Government,” Abubakar said.
According to NANS, many prominent voices have echoed similar demands. “Notable individuals, religious organisations, political groups, and international organisations, as well as Ohaneze Ndigbo, Umudioka community, governors and lawmakers—especially those from the South-East—have consistently demanded his unconditional release,” the association stated.
NANS stressed that its demand goes beyond Kanu’s personal liberty, noting that it concerns Nigeria’s fragile unity and peace. “We hereby appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu by recommending a political solution to the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, because we understand that the President believes in the rule of law and the unity of the country,” Abubakar declared.
The NANS President warned that the continued detention of the IPOB leader risks deepening the feeling of marginalisation among youths in the South-East. “No section of the country should feel marginalised or be treated like second-class citizens. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a national asset to the country and should be allowed to contribute his quota,” he maintained.
Backing him, NANS PRO Comrade Orowole Eniola argued that Tinubu has a historic opportunity to act as a unifier. “Mr President has a historic opportunity to heal wounds and strengthen our democracy. Releasing Kanu will not only douse tension in the South-East but also reaffirm the belief that this administration is committed to justice and fairness,” he stated.
The students’ union reaffirmed its dedication to Nigeria’s unity, stressing that dialogue is a more sustainable path than confrontation. At its meeting held at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, NANS resolved to formally approach the Presidency with the collective demands of Nigerian students.