IPOB Criticizes Asari Dokubo for Backing Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention, Warns Against Exploitation for Pipeline Contracts
The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly condemned Asari Dokubo, leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Salvation Force (NDPSF), for supporting the continued imprisonment of Nnamdi Kanu.
After meeting with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock on Friday, Dokubo appealed to the federal government not to release Kanu, who is the leader of IPOB.
Kanu has been held in custody since his arrest and return from Kenya on June 19, 2021, facing charges of terrorism.
In a statement released on Sunday and reported by TheCable, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful cautioned against using Kanu’s “unlawful detention to secure contracts for oil protection” within political circles.
Powerful sternly warned against exploiting Kanu’s name for personal gain or engaging in illicit activities.
“We are cautioning those who advocate for the illegal and prolonged detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to be aware of the imminent dangers. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is the only innocent political prisoner in Nigeria, subjected to ethnic profiling and prejudice,” declared the proscribed separatist group.
“He has not committed any crime under local and international laws. The Nigerian government must release him unconditionally as ordered by the courts, or else face the consequences of disobeying the law.”
In October 2022, the Abuja Court of Appeal dismissed the terrorism charges against Kanu, ruling that his extradition from Kenya for trial in Nigeria was unlawful.
Following this ruling, the federal government filed an appeal with the Supreme Court to challenge the decision. Additionally, an amended charge was presented before a Federal High Court.
Moreover, the federal government sought a stay of execution from the Court of Appeal, which was granted.
