A United States based Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Augustine Odimmegwa, has called for the immediate release of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that his continued detention breaches both Nigerian and international law. Fr. Odimmegwa, who coordinates the US based nonprofit Rising Sun, described Kanu’s detention as a “shameful abuse of justice” in a statement on Sunday.
Fr. Odimmegwa emphasized that Kanu was forcibly brought from Kenya to Nigeria, arguing, “He was abducted not extradited. The law is clear when a man is taken illegally from another country no court in Nigeria has any right to try him.” Kanu has been detained since June 2021 and faces charges including treasonable felony and terrorism, which his legal team contends are invalid due to unlawful rendition.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja discharged and acquitted Kanu in October 2022, ruling his rendition illegal and stripping the Federal High Court of jurisdiction. The Supreme Court later stayed that judgment, allowing the government to refile charges, a move criticized by rights groups. Peaceful protests have since occurred in Abuja, Enugu, and Owerri, with demonstrators demanding compliance with court rulings.
Rights organizations including Amnesty International and Intersociety have repeatedly urged the Federal Government to release Kanu. Fr. Odimmegwa highlighted that Kanu was charged under a repealed law and argued that his rendition from Kenya constituted a violation of international law. He warned that ignoring judicial orders erodes public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
The cleric outlined several alleged breaches, including lack of valid charges, denial of fair hearing, and violation of the principle against double jeopardy. “No valid charge exists. Fair hearing denied. Double jeopardy breached. The Supreme Court failed its own doctrine. International law is on his side,” he said.
Fr. Odimmegwa concluded that the call for Kanu’s release is about justice not favor. “We are not asking for favours we are demanding justice under the law. If one man’s rights can be trampled no one is safe. Justice for one is justice for all. The world is watching. Justice must prevail.”
