Nnamdi Kanu: Igbo Group Reacts To Arrest Of IPOB Leader

An Igbo Social Group, the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) says the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is unfortunate.

Kanu, who had fled while facing charges bordering on treasonable felony, was arrested and reportedly extradited to Nigeria.

The federal high court in Abuja had, on Tuesday, also immediately granted an order for the Department of State Services (DSS) to remand Kanu till July 26. 

Uzodinma Nwala and Abia Onyike, ADF president and chairman, bureau of media, respectively, in a statement on Tuesday, said Kanu’s arrest “is most unlikely to result in the smashing of the spirit of the longing for freedom of the Igbo Nation”.

“The Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) has received the news of the arrest and deportation of Nnamdi Kanu to Nigeria and his subsequent arraignment in Court in continuation of his previous trial,” the statement reads.

“This development is very unfortunate both for the continued existence of the crisis-riden Nigerian federation and the struggle for the self-determination and emancipation of Igboland from the artificial Nigerian federation.

“The arrest or elimination of Nnamdi Kanu from the scene of the struggle is most unlikely to result in the smashing of the spirit of the longing for freedom of the Igbo Nation or that of other nationalities that are equally struggling to free themselves from the chaotic Nigerian federation.

“Earlier in the day, we saw a social media news item with the headline: “Nnamdi Kanu arrested and Boko Haram fighters released”. This news item summarises the grave injustice in the federal government’s attempt to crush Nnamdi Kanu and his IPOB supporters who are languishing in several detention and torture centres in the federation, while the blood-sucking Boko Haram and other bandits are on the prowl throughout the entire federation, including Katsina, the home state of Mr President.

“The Igbo Nation is meanwhile groaning under the agony of the massive arrests, torture and killing of many Igbo youths by security agents of the Federal Government.”

The group called on the international community to look into the “horror taking place in Igboland”.

They also called on legal practitioners who are Igbo to defend Kanu.