Abuja, Nigeria — President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA) for the FCT, Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, recently revealed that Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, is optimistic about securing his release from the Department of State Services (DSS) detention by April 2025. Ellis-Ezenekwe made this announcement following his visit to Kanu at the DSS headquarters in Abuja.
During the visit, which took place earlier this week, Ezenekwe described Kanu’s condition as relatively positive, stating, “He looked healthy, had gained weight, and remained in good spirits.” Despite being in detention, Kanu expressed his frustrations over the ongoing lack of strong Igbo leadership and called for renewed advocacy for the interests of the Igbo people.
Kanu’s concerns extended beyond his personal situation. He lamented the deteriorating conditions faced by the Igbo community in Nigeria, highlighting the absence of significant voices to defend their rights. According to Kanu, the neglect of past Igbo freedom fighters, including Ralph Uwazurike, represents a broader issue within the community. “If we continue to ignore our own leaders, it will jeopardize our struggle for self-determination,” Kanu cautioned.
Ellis-Ezenekwe urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action to facilitate Kanu’s release. He recalled Tinubu’s contributions to the pro-democracy movement in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for the current administration to demonstrate political will to rectify existing injustices. “Kanu’s continued detention is not just a personal battle; it symbolizes political repression,” Ezenekwe stated emphatically.
Ezenekwe’s appeal comes amid growing concerns over the political climate in Nigeria and the perception of injustice faced by many in the Igbo community. He reassured Kanu of the dedication of his legal team and reiterated the sentiment that hope remains alive for a positive outcome in the coming months.
