The family of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has demanded clarifications on the arrest and extradition of the separatist leader by Nigerian authorities.
In June, the IPOB leader was arrested and extradited to Nigeria to face charges of treason.
However, younger brother of the IPOB leader, Emmanuel Kanu, said the circumstances behind the arrest are “illegal,” adding that the family will not be attending the trial scheduled for July 26 if the authorities refuse to shed light on the situation.
He made the demand on Tuesday while hosting traditional rulers under the aegis of ”Monarchs of Biafran Land,” who were in Umuahia on a solidarity visit.
“We won’t be in court on 26th July until they explain to us how and who kidnapped Nnamdi in Kenya.
“We need clarifications on what happened and how he was brought to Nigeria illegally.
“Even Britain, whose citizenship he holds, said it needed explanations on what happened. So, we need to know what happened,” he said.
He, therefore, appealed to the international community to ensure that Kanu get justice, insisting that the IPOB leader is only a freedom fighter and deserves international protection.
Speaking, the monarchs said Kanu’s arrest and detention would not bring any solution to the rising agitation for self-determination but rather worsen the situation.
In a statement jointly signed by the National Chairman of the body, HRH Eze Gideon Ejike; National Secretary, HRH Eze Onyeka Madu; and its Anambra State Chairman, HRH Eze Levi Okonkwo, the monarchs cautioned against mishandling of Kanu’s case.
They insisted that dialogue and not prosecution would solve the growing agitation for self-determination in some parts of the country.
The monarchs advised the Federal Government to look into the questions raised by Kanu and find a way of resolving them instead of clamping down on him.
According to them, Kanu’s detention would rather fuel agitations for self-determination, hence the need for government to look for political solutions.
