Jewish Worshipers Hold Prayers, Rally in Abia Demanding Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

Just 48 hours after Igbo elders staged a peaceful protest at the Abia State Government House in Umuahia, Jewish worshipers on Thursday gathered at the Afaraukwu Umuahia family home of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to pray for his release and seek divine intervention over his continued detention.

The worshipers, who came from across the South East, as well as Rivers and Delta States, later held a solidarity rally calling for Kanu’s unconditional release. They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heed mounting appeals and free the IPoB leader.

They also appealed to Governor Alex Otti to work with his fellow South East governors in persuading the President to act. According to them, a united front from the governors could influence Kanu’s release.

In addition to praying for Kanu, the group also sought peace for communities affected by banditry and herdsmen attacks.

During the rally, placards were displayed with messages such as: “Free Nnamdi Kanu, he committed no crime known to the law”; “Eastern Judaism calls for release of Nnamdi Kanu from DSS detention”; “Obey Court order Tinubu”; and “Free Nnamdi Kanu.”

Speaking on behalf of the worshipers, Deputy National Rabbi of “Biafra land,” Rabbi Okezie Anosike, compared Kanu’s case to that of Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Igboho.

“What Kanu is demanding is not different from what Sunday Igboho is demanding for the Yoruba nation, and yet he (Igboho) is free,” he said. “We ask President Tinubu to set Kanu free. We ask Governor Otti to do all in his power to bring freedom to Kanu.”

Anosike also cited Kanu’s health condition, warning of dire consequences if urgent action is not taken.

Other speakers, including Ofuji Ekhad from Anambra and Elder Shahum Ogu from Imo, insisted that Kanu committed no crime by agitating for self-determination, describing him as “a prophet and messenger of God.”

Mrs. Ugochinyere Onuoha, a woman leader of the Eastern Judaism and Jewish Community, urged President Tinubu not to allow Kanu to die in detention, while 12-year-old Michael Ndubuisi from Enugu emotionally pleaded for his release.

Kanu has been held at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja since June 2021, following his extraordinary rendition from Kenya. The IPoB leader has long advocated a referendum for the South East and South South on the question of autonomy.