A fresh bid for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has begun, with calls for his freedom on compassionate grounds.
Denge Josef Onoh, the former spokesman for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign in the South-East, has requested that President Bola Tinubu release Kanu into the custody of Iyom Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Chief John Azuta-Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Onoh said the move would serve as part of ongoing efforts to promote inclusive governance, national healing, and conflict resolution.
He explained that his appeal was a “constructive plea on behalf of the Igbo people and the broader Nigerian family”.
According to him, Kanu’s prolonged incarceration since his “extraordinary rendition from Kenya in 2021” has worsened insecurity in the south-east and emboldened criminals who disguise themselves as separatists.
“His incarceration, amid charges of terrorism and treasonable felony, has not only exacerbated insecurity but also allowed opportunistic criminals to masquerade as separatists, fuelling violence, economic sabotage, and the displacement of our people,” he said.
Onoh commended Tinubu for the diplomatic efforts that led to the conviction of Simon Ekpa, the Finland-based factional IPOB leader.
He also praised Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), for his role in the process.
Onoh said the release of Kanu would not only be a humanitarian gesture but a strategic decision to de-escalate tensions, restore investor confidence, and separate genuine agitators from bandits.
“In this spirit, I respectfully urge Mr President to exercise your constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy and release Mazi Kanu unconditionally—but with a deliberate handover into the personal custody of two exemplary figures: Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Senator John Azuta-Mbata,” he said.
He described Odumegwu-Ojukwu as a symbol of Igbo identity and resilience, adding that her ministerial role gives her the diplomatic reach to guide Kanu toward dialogue.
“Her recent appointment as minister of state for foreign affairs positions her uniquely to bridge federal and regional divides, while her public vows to ‘do whatever it takes’ to secure his release demonstrate her personal stake in south-east stability,” he said.
Onoh said Azuta-Mbata embodies the authentic voice of Ndigbo and has consistently advocated for equity within the Nigerian federation.
“His recent appeals for Mazi Kanu’s release—framed as essential for medical treatment and a political solution—reflect a statesmanlike focus on welfare and reconciliation,” he said.
He argued that entrusting Kanu to the two leaders would prevent opportunistic politicians from hijacking the release for personal or electoral gains.
“By entrusting Mazi Kanu to these custodians, Mr President, you would preempt any risk of his release being politicised by south-east politicians eyeing 2027 polls or internal rivalries,” he said.
Onoh also proposed that traditional rulers from the South-East, led by the Obi of Onitsha, sign an undertaking with the NSA and security agencies as part of the release process.
He added: “The time for bold, compassionate leadership is now. Releasing Mazi Kanu under these safeguards would not only quench the fires of agitation but also fortify the Renewed Hope agenda, proving that Nigeria’s unity thrives on justice, not coercion.”
