Yemi Obafemi
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as “an open sore on the nation’s conscience and a stain on Nigeria’s belief in the rule of law.”
In a statement posted on his X handle on Thursday, Atiku condemned the government’s disregard for court orders granting Kanu bail, calling it “an abuse of power and an assault on justice.”
He said: “Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in Kenya and subsequent extradition to Nigeria in June 2021. Defying court orders that granted him bail is an abuse of power and an assault on justice.”
Atiku expressed support for the ongoing campaign led by activist Omoyele Sowore, demanding Kanu’s immediate release or due prosecution.
“I, therefore, lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by @YeleSowore for his immediate release or due prosecution. We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal,” he stated.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 following his arrest and extradition from Kenya, despite several court rulings ordering his release.
