Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed confidence that he will be granted bail before the end of April 2025.
Kanu, who has been in detention for four years, conveyed this optimism to the President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA) in Abuja, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, during a visit to the Department of State Services (DSS) facility where he is being held.
In a statement following the visit, Ezenekwe reiterated the call for Kanu’s release and emphasized the need for a renewed push to address the interests of the Southeast region.
According to him, Kanu expressed unwavering faith in his legal team and reaffirmed his stance that he has committed no crime beyond urging his people to awaken to their socio-political realities.
Ezenekwe revealed that Kanu strongly advocated for a referendum, describing it as a crucial step toward self-determination.
“Today, at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, I had the honor of visiting Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). During our discussion, he appeared healthy and composed, displaying remarkable resilience despite his prolonged detention,” he said.
“He reiterated his call for a referendum as a fundamental step in the pursuit of self-determination and expressed firm belief that he has not violated any law, apart from urging our people to wake up from their slumber.
“Kanu remains confident in his legal team and hopeful of his release by the end of April 2025, a testament to his unwavering dedication and fortitude.”
Ezenekwe noted that Kanu expressed deep concern over what he described as a leadership vacuum within the Igbo community, stating that the lack of proactive leadership has weakened the voice of the region at a crucial time.
Despite his incarceration, Kanu assured that he remains in good health, is adhering to his prescribed medications, and remains in high spirits.
Ezenekwe used the opportunity to appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate Kanu’s release, stating that doing so would demonstrate the president’s commitment to justice and democratic principles.
“In light of today’s encounter, I issue an earnest appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I urge him to embrace the spirit of democracy and fairness that defined his own political struggles and to take decisive action in securing the freedom of our brother and hero, Nnamdi Kanu.
“Let this moment serve as a turning point—a renewal of our collective determination to safeguard the rights, dignity, and future of the Igbo people,” he stated.
Ezenekwe emphasized that the meeting was a vital reminder of the ongoing struggle for recognition, justice, and the advancement of Igbo interests in Nigeria.
