A former mayor in the United States, Mike Arnold, has called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), alleging that the Nigerian government is applying justice unevenly.
Speaking during a session at the U.S. Congress, Arnold argued that authorities in Nigeria have failed to adequately confront the growing threat of extremist violence. He rejected claims that ongoing attacks are merely clashes between farmers and herders, insisting instead that the country is grappling with a deeper insurgency challenge.
Arnold described what he termed a pattern of “selective justice,” contrasting Kanu’s prosecution with what he alleged is a lack of accountability for individuals linked to extremist activities in other parts of the country.
He referenced Kanu’s arrest and subsequent conviction on terrorism-related charges, noting concerns raised by some international observers about the circumstances of his return to Nigeria and the legal processes surrounding his trial.
The former mayor also cited a widely circulated video in which a cleric allegedly placed a monetary bounty on a Christian pastor in Jos, identified as Emmanuel Sunday Garba. He criticised Nigerian authorities for what he described as an inadequate response to the incident.
According to Arnold, the government appears to prioritise certain prosecutions while failing to act decisively in other cases, a trend he said undermines public confidence in the justice system.
He further urged U.S. lawmakers to advocate for the release of individuals he described as prisoners of conscience and to consider protective measures for those facing threats.
Arnold also expressed concerns about the role of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, accusing the traditional ruler of not doing enough to publicly condemn ongoing violence and of supporting the expansion of Sharia-based structures into southern parts of Nigeria.
The remarks have added an international dimension to ongoing debates over security, justice, and governance in Nigeria.
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