From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
A leading member of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in Melbourne, Australia, Maduabuchi Omeje, has advised the federal government to as a matter of urgency activate the process of releasing the leader of the separatist group, Nnamdi Kanu, and save the country unnecessary diplomatic row with the world body.
He also extolled the United Nations for directing the Nigerian Government to release the self-determination activist whose rights, according to him, had been grossly abused.
Kanu, who is facing trial has been in the detention facility of the Department of State Service (DSS) in Abuja, the nation’s capital for more than a year; following his interception and rendition from Kenya by Nigerian authorities.
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Omeje in a statement obtained by Daily Sun, Wednesday, in Enugu, noted that the widely acclaimed position of the world body issued on July 20, 2022, has further shown that self-determination was an inalienable right of every individual and people in any part of the globe.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to the UN Human Rights Council’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, for the efforts in reaching the decision as contained in Opinion no 25/22, asking the Nigerian Government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally and compensate him for the abuse and torture he has and continues to suffer,” the agitator said.
He also commended Kanu’s international legal counsels, Mr Bruce Fein and Prof Rachael Murray, as well as the IPOB leader’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, for initiating and leading the effort to a fruitful conclusion.