Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is optimistic that he will regain his freedom by April 2025, according to Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, the President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA) in the Federal Capital Territory.
Ezenekwe made this revelation after meeting with Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja.
Despite his prolonged detention, Kanu is said to be in good health, has gained weight, and remains in high spirits. He continues to place his trust in his legal team, believing that the courts will soon rule in his favour.
However, the IPOB leader expressed disappointment over the state of Igbo leadership, lamenting the absence of strong voices championing the cause of the region.
According to Ezenekwe, Kanu is deeply concerned about the worsening conditions faced by the Igbo people in Nigeria and fears that their struggle is being neglected.
During their discussion, Kanu reportedly reflected on the fate of past Igbo freedom fighters, particularly Ralph Uwazurike, the founder of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). He noted that Uwazurike, despite his good intentions, was abandoned by his people while in detention—a situation Kanu fears could weaken the fight for self-determination.
Ezenekwe echoed Kanu’s concerns, warning that history must not repeat itself. “His sentiments evoked memories of past hardships endured by fellow freedom fighters, such as the neglect experienced by Ralph Uwazurike during previous administrations, reminding us all of the sacrifices made for our collective struggle,” he stated.
Kanu also reiterated his call for a referendum as a step toward self-determination, maintaining that he has committed no crime beyond urging the Igbo people to wake up and take charge of their future. He remains steadfast in his belief that justice will prevail in the coming weeks.
As part of his plea for action, Ezenekwe called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in Kanu’s case. He reminded the president of his past role in the pro-democracy movement and urged him to demonstrate the political will needed to secure Kanu’s release.
“In light of today’s encounter, I issue an earnest appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I call on him to draw upon the spirit of democracy and commitment to justice that defined his own struggles, and to take decisive action in securing the freedom of our brother and hero, Nnamdi Kanu,” Ezenekwe said.
The ICA leader emphasised that Kanu’s continued detention symbolises political repression rather than justice and urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue to address the concerns of the Igbo people.
As calls for Kanu’s release continue to grow, all eyes are now on the judiciary and the federal government to determine whether his optimism will become reality in the coming weeks.
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