‘They Committed No Crime’ — IPOB Urges New IGP to Stop Prosecution of Kanu Protesters

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has appealed to the new Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to halt the prosecution of persons standing trial over their alleged involvement in the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest.

The appeal was made by the legal consultant to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

He said the continued court cases against the protesters contradict the new police leadership’s public commitment to respect human rights.

In a post shared on X, the lawyer maintained that those facing trial did not break any law.

He argued that their actions fell within the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

According to him, statements about protecting human rights would be meaningless if the police failed to back them with action.

He stressed that dropping the charges against the protesters would show true respect for the rule of law.

The lawyer further warned that prosecuting citizens for peaceful demonstrations sends a wrong signal to the public.
He urged the police authorities to ensure that no Nigerian is punished for engaging in lawful civic activities.

The call comes as several individuals remain in court over protests demanding the release of Kanu.
These cases have continued despite repeated public assurances by the Nigeria Police Force that it will uphold fundamental freedoms.

The legal consultant insisted that the police must match words with action.
He said this would strengthen public confidence in law enforcement and reduce tension in the Southeast.

Ejimakor wrote, “Dear IGP Disu: Your sound declaration to respect human rights would ring hollow unless you direct the prompt discontinuance of the ongoing prosecution of those standing trial for allegedly participating in the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest. They committed no crime known to law.”