The Concerned Igbo Ministers Commission, an inter-religious group, has condemned the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), labeling it a “demonic scheme” against the Igbo people.
In a statement signed by the group’s President/Coordinator, Rev. Tony Uzo Anthony, and General Secretary, Apostle Tony Osuji, they accused South-East governors of collaborating to keep Kanu imprisoned for political gains.
The group claimed that Kanu’s detention was a politically motivated effort to suppress the Igbo, urging traditional rulers, religious leaders, pressure groups, and the international community to rally together and denounce the situation.
“We have observed how Kanu’s case has taken a disturbing turn, with the presiding judge openly defying a Supreme Court decision to release him. Kanu remains unlawfully detained, while others with more serious offenses have been freed,” the statement read.
The group expressed surprise that the same judge, who previously recused herself, had admitted that the charges against Kanu were politically driven and without basis. They questioned why the judge continued to treat Kanu’s case with such severity.
The commission accused South-East governors of plotting to detain Kanu until next year, only to release him as part of a political maneuver to secure electoral support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the South-East and South-South regions.
“We urge our brothers and sisters in the diaspora to contact Kenya, Britain, South-East governors, and Mr. President to push for Kanu’s release, as he has done nothing wrong,” the statement continued. The group further claimed that the South-East governors are benefiting from the ongoing security challenges in the region through security votes, while avoiding peaceful resolutions.
“If the governors truly seek peace, they should visit Kanu, engage him in dialogue, and work towards ending the unrest in the South-East,” the group argued.
Finally, the commission called upon all friends of Nigeria, traditional leaders, religious figures, and global communities to reject what they described as an “evil conspiracy” against the Igbo people, warning that those responsible for Kanu’s prolonged detention would be held accountable for any harm that befalls him.
