Ipob demands immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu saying terrorist may attack his DSS detention centre

INDIGENOUS People of Biafra (Ipob) has asked for the immediate release of its leader Nnamdi Kanu pointing out that his life could be at risk as a result of the recent threats by terrorists to take over Abuja.

Over the last few weeks, Nigeria's chronic insecurity has got progressively worse with terrorists attacking  Kuje Prison in Abuja and feeing Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (Iswap) inmates. Over the last week, armed gunmen also attacked President Muhammadu Buhari's security detail, killing about seven of his guards.

Fearful that its leader currently being detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) may become a victim of these attacks if the facility where he is being held is overrun, Ipob is demanding the immediate release of Mr Kanu. Ipob spokesman Emma Powerful, said Mr Kanu should also be paid appropriate compensation without delay because he has committed no crime against Nigeria and her sovereignty.

Mr Powerful said: “The attention of the global movement and family of Ipob has been drawn to the sudden closure of all the government public schools operating in Abuja because of the threats from terrorists groomed by Fulani people to take over Abuja and entire Nigeria. Ipob, therefore, demands the immediate release of the leader of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the dungeon in Abuja by the federal government and her compromised DSS.

“We are reminding Nigeria and her security agencies that the world through the United Nations rights group has mandated the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the appropriate compensation paid to him without delay because he committed no crime against Nigeria and her sovereignty. Ipob is neither bothered nor interested in the plan of the terrorists to overrun the Nigeria government which we have rejected, our concern is the safety of our leader.

“We, therefore, demand that the Nigerian government must release the leader of Ipob now because he committed no crime as enunciated by the UN rights group. As Nigeria is closing schools, businesses and other activities because of terrorists’ threat to attack Abuja, it clearly shows that Abuja is no longer safe for people to live.

“Hence our unequivocal demand for the unconditional release of Kanu before anything happens to him. We demand prompt and complete implementation of the UN directives on this matter.

“Binta Nyako and her jurists should know that Kanu’s life is in danger while being detained in DSS custody Abuja. Again, she should know that these terrorists attacked the Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna, the War Training College Jaji in Kaduna, Kuje Prisons Abuja and other security facilities, therefore DSS facility is not immune to attack by these state-sponsored terrorists.

“We pity those Igbo leaders and politicians who commit crimes in Igboland and run to Abuja thinking that nothing will happen. Narratives have changed and they will run to Lagos but Lagos will not be safe for them, then they will come back home soon and answer questions unless they run abroad.

“One day all the evil and killer politicians from Biafraland will be held to account and only the good ones will walk as free men and women. This is an opportunity to make peace with your people because the danger is approaching to Nigeria soon, the country has collapsed.”