Releasing Nnamdi Kanu Is a Necessary Step Toward National Healing — RULAAC

The Rule of Law Accountability and Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), describing it as “a necessary step towards national healing.”

RULAAC’s Executive Director, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, made the appeal during the Ikengaonline Town Hall Meeting on Thursday night, stressing that the lingering detention of Kanu continues to fuel insecurity and deepen mistrust in the South East.

“What I would consider the path towards peace is Kanu’s immediate release. It is not a concession. It is a necessary step towards national healing,” Nwanguma said.

He argued that insecurity in the South East is “in large part, the direct consequence of state repression,” citing the militarization of civilian spaces and the criminalization of dissent as root causes of the crisis.

“The insecurity ravaging the South East is largely the result of state repression — by criminalizing dissent and militarizing civilian life,” he said.

‘Releasing Kanu Will Restore Trust and Stability’

Nwanguma stated that freeing Kanu would remove a major rallying point exploited by violent groups, rebuild trust between citizens and the government, and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law.

“Releasing Nnamdi Kanu will remove a major rallying point exploited by violent elements. It will rebuild trust between government and Southeast citizens. It will signal that Nigeria remains a democracy governed by law, not selective power,” he said.

He drew parallels with the Niger Delta peace process, emphasizing that dialogue — not force — brought stability.

“Peace cannot be achieved through coercion. Even in the Niger Delta, peace came only when government replaced bullets with dialogue. That same wisdom must guide the response to the Southeast crisis,” he added.

‘Kanu’s Continued Detention Is Unjust and Counterproductive’

While noting that he had previously criticized Kanu’s rhetoric as “extreme and divisive,” Nwanguma maintained that the IPOB leader’s prolonged detention has become a symbol of injustice and selective governance.

“The issue today is not whether one agrees with Kanu’s ideology, but whether Nigeria will continue to ignore court orders and deepen alienation. His continued detention is unjust, unlawful, and counterproductive. It fuels insecurity and mistrust,” he said.

He warned that Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while disobeying its own courts.

“Releasing Kanu will not weaken the Nigerian state; it will strengthen it. Justice is the foundation of peace. Injustice divides nations — justice heals them,” Nwanguma stressed.

‘South East Is Over-Militarized’

Decrying the heavy military presence across the South East, Nwanguma said the region is treated like “a conquered territory.”

“The Southeast is the only zone with multiple checkpoints. Every road is militarized. Government has worsened alienation and despair. Every bullet fired in repression breeds more anger and radicalization,” he lamented.

He described Kanu’s trial and continued detention as a “legal and moral scandal,” adding that “injustice anywhere in Nigeria breeds insecurity everywhere.”

‘Dialogue, Not Repression, Will Bring Peace’

Calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heed growing appeals for Kanu’s release, Nwanguma said the government’s selective application of justice sends a dangerous signal.

“His continued incarceration, despite multiple court orders, is both illegal and morally indefensible. It tells citizens that government can choose which laws to obey and which citizens deserve justice,” he said.

“A government that negotiates with terrorists in the North but detains a political agitator in the Southeast indefinitely undermines its own moral authority and weakens national unity,” he added.

According to him, Kanu’s case has become a metaphor for state impunity and selective justice, which fuels resentment and strengthens extremist narratives.

‘Criminals Exploit Kanu’s Detention’

Nwanguma acknowledged that some criminal gangs now exploit Kanu’s continued detention to justify violent acts.

“IPOB was infiltrated by criminal elements. Opportunistic gangs have emerged, using Kanu’s detention as a rallying point for their activities. His release will expose such bad actors,” he said.

He also cited the Owerri prison break of 2021, which authorities blamed on IPOB, but said evidence suggested otherwise.

“The prison is next to the police and military formations, yet there was no intervention. The facts point elsewhere,” he stated.

Nwanguma concluded by urging the Federal Government to replace repression with justice and dialogue, saying that only fairness can heal divisions and restore peace.

“Let the Nigerian government choose justice — and let the Southeast breathe again,” he said.

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