American Military Veterans Call for Nnamdi Kanu’s Freedom

The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) based in the United States have written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to order the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In the letter, AVID cited several court rulings and resolutions from international human rights bodies that have declared Kanu’s continued detention illegal.

AVID’s President, Dr. Sylvester Onyia, and Secretary, Dr. Godson Obiagwu, signed the letter, stressing that Nigeria must respect its judicial system and international commitments.

International Rulings In Favour of Kanu

AVID pointed to key rulings that support Kanu’s release. The Federal High Court of Nigeria ruled on October 26, 2022, “held that his extradition from Kenya was unlawful and that his continued detention in Abuja violated his fundamental human rights,” AVID stated.

Despite this ruling, the Nigerian government has kept Kanu in detention, which AVID argues defies constitutional law.

In December 2023, the Supreme Court of Nigeria remanded Kanu’s case to the Federal High Court but acknowledged that he fled Nigeria due to a military invasion of his home and not out of disrespect for his then bail terms.

AVID also referenced a United Nations Human Rights Council decision in July 2022, which called for Kanu’s immediate release and compensation for his unlawful extradition.

“The UN directive is clear. As a member of the United Nations, Nigeria is legally bound to comply,” AVID wrote.

A Political Matter Requiring Urgent Action

Beyond legal rulings, AVID argued that Kanu’s case has shifted from a judicial matter to a political crisis. His continued detention, they say, has fueled unrest in Nigeria’s Southeast.

“This matter has transformed from legal or judicial to political, which is within the executive province and prerogatives of President Tinubu. And as the saying goes, the buck stops at the President’s table,” the letter stated.

The group urged President Tinubu to either restore Kanu’s bail or discontinue his prosecution in the interest of national stability.

AVID warned that ignoring legal rulings and international directives could erode public trust in Nigeria’s judiciary and damage the country’s global reputation.

Resolving Kanu’s case, AVID argued, could help ease tensions in the Southeast and prevent further instability.

“While thanking you for your anticipated sound discretion in halting this grave injustice, please permit us to also assure you of our abiding regards for your high office,” the group stated.

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