The Traffic

Igbo American Veterans Take Bold Stand: Demand Tinubu Orders Nnamdi Kanu’s Immediate Release

By Achimi Muktar

A group of Igbo American military veterans has issued a powerful ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu, demanding the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In an open letter dated February 26, 2025, the American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) declared that Kanu's detention has long shifted from a judicial matter to a political one—one that Tinubu has the executive authority to resolve immediately.

The letter, titled "Open Letter to the President and Government of Nigeria," was signed by Chief Dr. Sylvester Onyia (President) and Dr. Godson Obiagwu (Secretary). AVID called on Tinubu to act decisively, stating that further detention of Kanu is not only illegal but also a direct violation of his fundamental human rights.

A Legal Battle Ignored?

Citing a landmark ruling by the Federal High Court on October 26, 2022, AVID pointed out that Kanu’s arrest and detention were unlawful. The court had ruled that his rendition from Kenya, his continued incarceration in Abuja, and the inhumane treatment he suffered under the Department of State Services (DSS) amounted to a "brazen violation" of his rights.

The group further referenced a Supreme Court ruling in December 2023, which exposed how Nigerian authorities forced Kanu to flee after a violent military invasion of his home. The court condemned the government’s actions, stating that his escape was a survival move rather than an attempt to evade justice.

“It is glaring that the consequences of that attack were intended or foreseeable. The appellant’s officials knew that their invasion of the respondent’s home caused him to flee for his life," the Supreme Court ruled.

Despite these rulings, AVID argued that the Nigerian government has ignored judicial pronouncements and instead doubled down on Kanu’s incarceration.

A Political Solution Now Lies with Tinubu

AVID insists that Tinubu has the power to end this prolonged legal battle, stating that no further court order is needed for Kanu’s release.

The group also referenced the Abia High Court’s ruling on January 19, 2022, which ruled that the military invasion of Kanu’s home was an "attempted violation of his right to life." The court further called on the Nigerian government to apologize and show commitment to a peaceful resolution.

“There is no gainsaying that this matter has transformed from the legal or judicial to the political, which is within the executive province and prerogatives of President Tinubu,” AVID wrote in the letter.

What Happens Next?

With mounting pressure from international bodies, human rights groups, and now a powerful group of Igbo American military veterans, all eyes are now on President Bola Tinubu. Will he heed the call and order Kanu’s immediate release? Or will this latest plea fall on deaf ears?