The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) worldwide has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally in line with international and Nigerian Court rulings. The group recently revealed that any further prosecution or detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu under an unconstitutional law is illegal and morally indefensible.
In a press statement released and signed by its Chairman, National Advisory Committee, Major General Collins R. U Ihekire, retired, UNIEC declared that the immediate and unconditional release of Kanu will be both a constitutional duty and a moral decision.
According to Collins R. U, Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom is key to restoring justice, unity and peace in Nigeria, and Justice James Omotosho’s courtroom cannot be a miracle centre where dead laws will be resurrected.
He stated that once repealed, the 2913 Act ceased to exist; therefore, all charges under it immediately died a natural death.
“The charges against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu were filed under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013, which was repealed on May 12, 2022, when the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022came into force.
Once repealed, the 2913 Act ceased to exist: hence, all charges under it automatically died. Any trial based on such a repealed statute is a nullity ab initio. A court cannot convict on a ghost law. Justice Omotosho continued reliance on the repealed Act represents a constitutional breach and per incuriam adjudication judgment given in ignorance of the law,” it read.
Describing Mazi Kanu’s continued trial as an injustice and a double standard, UNIEC pointed out that other freedom fighters like Sunday Igboho and Sheikh El-Zakzaky have been free for years.
The elders concluded by saying that since known terrorists have been granted amnesty in the same country, a peaceful self-determination advocate cannot remain imprisoned.
“We strongly condemn the Federal government’s selective justice, when known terrorists have been granted amnesty, rehabilitation and reintegration, yet a peaceful self-determination advocate remains imprisoned.
Freedom fighters and figures like Sunday Igboho and Sheikh El-Zakzaky have regained their freedom, hence Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention amounts to discrimination and political persecution. Today it is Nnamdi Kanu, tomorrow it could be anyone if us. Injustice to one is injustice to all.
We call on Ohaneze Ndigbo and traditional rulers, Governors and political leaders of South East, churches and religious hierarchies, youths and civil society groups to unite in demanding the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, while advancing peace, development and national cohesion,” it added.
