Igbo Women Decry Nnamdi Kanu Verdict, Say Nigeria Applies ‘Different Laws’ to South-East

Igbo women have criticised the conviction and life imprisonment sentence handed to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), saying it suggests that Nigeria operates “a different set of laws” for the South-East.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court had on Monday found Kanu guilty on all seven terrorism-related charges filed against him by the Federal Government.

Reacting under the umbrella of the Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), the group said the judgment lacked fairness and credibility.

IWA National President, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, who witnessed the court proceedings, claimed the verdict appeared predetermined.

According to her:
“It is as if the Nigerian government from 2014 to 2019 created a different law for the Igbos. The law they apply to the Igbos is not the same as the law they apply to other Nigerians, which has played out today.”

She insisted that Kanu is innocent of the charges and condemned what she described as selective justice.
“This is unacceptable, and we are kicking against the injustices that are being meted out on Igbo people… The real terrorists are being rehabilitated and put back into the military, while they cannot even negotiate with IPOB, which is harmless in its demands. And their demands are legitimate,” she added.

The Igbo Community Association (ICA) in Abuja also faulted the ruling, alleging that Kanu was not given the chance to defend himself before the judgment was delivered.

ICA President General, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, warned that the ruling could jeopardise the fragile peace in the region.
“The judiciary may have decided on its own to unravel the painstaking peace achieved in the South East by its singular act of declaring Kanu guilty without affording him the opportunity to defend himself,” he said.

He added that the Abuja Igbo community is “saddened and disappointed” and urged Nigerians to speak against Kanu’s continued detention.

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