The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC), a non-partisan body of respected Igbo statesmen, has again called for the unconditional release, compensation, and rehabilitation of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been detained by Nigerian authorities for over four years.
In a strongly worded statement issued after a plenary meeting held on July 5, 2025, at La Vuleva Hotel in Enugu, the group decried the continued detention of Kanu despite several court rulings — both within and outside Nigeria — that have ordered his release and awarded damages.
Signed by Justice Alpha Ikpeama (Rtd.), UNIEC’s Director-General, and Professor Obasi Igwe, Director of Media and Publicity, the statement described Kanu’s arrest and subsequent extradition from Kenya as a clear breach of international legal protocols and human rights norms.
“It has been more than four years since the extraordinary rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya, which occurred without the formal consent of Kenyan authorities — a process that undermines international law,” the statement said.
Delegation to Visit Kanu in DSS Custody
As part of its advocacy, UNIEC has constituted a seven-member delegation drawn from its 24-member National Advisory Council to visit Kanu at the DSS detention facility in Abuja on July 18, 2025. The group also plans to attend his upcoming court hearing.
The members of the delegation include:
- Justice Alpha Ikpeama (Rtd.) – Director-General and Head of Delegation
- Gen. Collins Ihekire (Rtd.) – Member, Board of Trustees
- Professor Nick Eze – National Chairman, Police Affairs
- Eze Fyneface Amechi – HRH, Ozuzu Ancient Kingdom, Rivers State
- Professor Obasi Igwe – Director of Media and Publicity
- Colonel Alban Chike Obi (Rtd.) – Southeast Chairman, Security Affairs
- Lolo Louisa O. Okeke – National Patroness
The elders reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful and lawful advocacy, insisting that no Nigerian should be held in indefinite detention without a fair and conclusive trial.
‘Kanu’s Case Is a Test of Nigeria’s Commitment to Justice’
UNIEC warned that the prolonged detention of Kanu could further inflame tensions in the Southeast region and undermine efforts at national unity.
“We are not demanding special treatment for Mazi Kanu. We are demanding justice and due process for every Nigerian, including him,” the statement added.
The group said it remained dedicated to championing peace, equity, and national reconciliation, adding that a just resolution of Kanu’s case is critical to promoting dialogue, trust, and lasting peace in Nigeria.
