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What Jonathan told me about Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention – Sowore

Published

1 month ago

October 10, 2025

What Jonathan told me about Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention – Sowore

Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, says former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed support for a swift and just resolution to the prolonged detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore disclosed this after meeting the former president in Abuja on Friday as part of his ongoing campaign to mobilise peaceful protests calling for Kanu’s release.

In a post shared on his Facebook page, Sowore said Jonathan acknowledged the pressing need to address Kanu’s incarceration in the interest of justice and national unity.

He wrote: “Earlier today in Abuja, I met with former President Goodluck Jonathan to discuss the continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“President Jonathan agreed that there is an urgent and compelling need to address this matter decisively and justly. I thank him sincerely for recognizing the importance of resolving Kanu’s case in the interest of peace, fairness, and national healing. Particularly assuring was that he promised to meet Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss this issue as soon as possible.”

According to Sowore, Jonathan’s position aligns with a growing national consensus calling for a political and lawful resolution of the IPOB leader’s case.

“With this, former President Jonathan joins a growing list of Nigerians who have called for justice in Nnamdi Kanu’s case, a list that already includes ex Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Femi Falana SAN, Senator Shehu Sani, and many others across political and regional divides,” he added.

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Sowore further insisted that Kanu’s continued detention was unjustified, describing him as a man who took up “the just cause of confronting the long-standing issue of marginalization in Nigeria.”

“Like other ethnic and regional activists whose politically motivated cases have been withdrawn or dismissed, Nnamdi Kanu should also be released without further delay,” he said.

The activist also called on political and community leaders across the country—particularly those from the South-East—to join the demand for Kanu’s freedom.

“I once again call on all political, cultural, ethnic, and religious leaders across Nigeria to join this noble cause,” Sowore stated. “In particular, I invite my brothers and sisters from the South East Mr. Peter Obi, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, ALEX C OTTI, Francis Nwifuru, Peter Mbah, Hope Uzodinma, Obiageli Ezekwesili, John Mbata of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide as well as Nigerians of conscience everywhere, to lend their voices to the call for justice and freedom.

“Nnamdi Kanu should be set free.And I remain firmly committed to peacefully mobilizing for justice and freedom in this matter.”

PlatinumPost reports that Kanu, leader of IPOB, was first arrested in October 2015 by the Department of State Services (DSS) and charged with treasonable felony over his campaign for the secession of the South-East region. He was later granted bail in April 2017 but fled the country after his home in Abia State was raided by the military during Operation Python Dance.

In June 2021, Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya and extradited to Nigeria under controversial circumstances described by his lawyers as “extraordinary rendition.” Since his return, he has been held in the custody of the DSS in Abuja while facing multiple counts of treason and terrorism-related offences before the Federal High Court.

His trial has been marked by a series of adjournments and legal disputes over jurisdiction, bail applications, and compliance with court orders. In October 2022, the Court of Appeal ordered his release and dismissed the charges on grounds that his rendition from Kenya was unlawful. However, the Federal Government appealed the ruling, and the Supreme Court later set aside the order, allowing his trial to continue.

Kanu’s supporters and several human rights groups have repeatedly demanded his unconditional release, arguing that his continued detention violates both domestic and international law.

What Jonathan told me about Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention – Sowore

Related Topics:detention Jonathan Nnamdi Kanu Sowore

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Falana faults FG over plan to transfer Ekweremadu’s prison sentence to Nigeria

Published

17 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Trends Admin

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana

Falana faults FG over plan to transfer Ekweremadu’s prison sentence to Nigeria

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has criticised the Federal Government’s plan to facilitate the transfer of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu to Nigeria to serve the remainder of his organ harvesting sentence currently being served in the United Kingdom.

Speaking on Thursday at the opening of the Legal Year of the Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, Falana questioned why the Federal Government was prioritising Ekweremadu while 232 other Nigerians are still in British prisons without intervention.

Falana, who vowed to take up the matter, argued that the prisoner exchange programme lacks justification, especially when no British citizen is serving a jail term in Nigeria.

Addressing students at the event organised by the Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), UNIABUJA Chapter, Falana also weighed in on the recent clash between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer, A.M. Yerima, over a disputed property.

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He condemned both parties for acting outside the law, warning that the Minister was “lucky not to have been shot” and insisting that no public official has the right to call any Nigerian a fool, including a minister.

While acknowledging that Wike acted under the Land Use Act, Falana faulted his lack of restraint and derogatory language. He also stated that the officer acted illegally by guarding private land and hiding under “superior orders.”

“Even the President cannot call any Nigerian a fool,” Falana declared, demanding that President Tinubu compel Wike to apologise.

On the theme “Litigation as the Bloodline of Justice”, Falana encouraged law students to embrace digital tools, noting that more West African courts are adopting virtual hearings and e-filing.

He was later honoured with the title Senior Advocate of the Masses, which he dedicated to the poor.

Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, commended the forum for bridging the gap between legal theory and practice, while urging students to uphold discipline, integrity and lifelong learning.

Falana faults FG over plan to transfer Ekweremadu’s prison sentence to Nigeria

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Kano JSC appoints new acting Chief Registrar, sanctions judiciary staff over misconduct

Published

17 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Trends Admin

Kano JSC Appoints New Acting Chief Registrar, Sanctions Judiciary Staff Over Misconduct

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has approved the appointment of Hussein Hassan-Suleiman as the new acting Chief Registrar of the Kano State High Court of Justice, following the retirement of Hajara Garba Ahmed on November 11, 2025.

The announcement was contained in a statement released on Friday by the judiciary’s spokesperson, Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, who said the decision was reached during the Commission’s 87th meeting presided over by the Chief Judge, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki.

According to the Commission’s Secretary, Amina Albasu, Suleiman—former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Ministry of Justice—was selected based on his “hard work, integrity, humility and dedication to duty.”

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The JSC expressed confidence that the new acting registrar would uphold judicial ethics and carry out his responsibilities diligently.

In the same sitting, the Commission confirmed the appointment of 30 new Shari’a Court Judges who passed the required examinations and interviews.

The transfer and swearing-in of Magistrate Dayyabu Haruna from Kaduna State was also approved and carried out in line with constitutional procedures.

Meanwhile, the Commission disciplined a judiciary staff member, Ado Koki, over allegations of criminal conspiracy, perjury and gratification. He was accused of collecting ₦39,000 in exchange for issuing three plain affidavits used for land document processing.

Koki admitted receiving the money but claimed it was meant for newspaper publication and a Police report. Although not previously found negligent in his duties, the JSC ruled his conduct inappropriate and placed him on half salary for three months, issuing a stern warning against future misconduct.

The JSC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and indiscipline, stressing its commitment to upholding integrity, accountability and professionalism within the judiciary.

Kano JSC appoints new acting Chief Registrar, sanctions judiciary staff over misconduct

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Bandits kill 16 vigilantes, abduct 42 villagers in fresh Niger state attacks

Published

17 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Trends Admin

Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman

Bandits Kill 16 Vigilantes, Abduct 42 Villagers in Fresh Niger State Attacks

At least 16 vigilante operatives have been killed and 42 residents abducted following multiple bandit raids across communities in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The coordinated attacks, which occurred between Sunday, November 9, and Thursday, November 13, 2025, forced hundreds of villagers to flee their homes, leaving entire settlements deserted.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the first attack happened on Sunday when bandits stormed Dutsen Magaji village, abducting 22 people.

“Vigilantes went after them and engaged them in a gun battle. In the process, three vigilantes were killed and five people are in the hospital,” he said.

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The gunmen reportedly returned before dawn on Thursday, targeting Magama village during early morning prayers.

“They surrounded the mosque while people were praying and kidnapped more than 20 people. Vigilantes followed them, unaware of an ambush. Thirteen vigilantes were killed,” the source added.

The Press Secretary to the Mashegu LGA chairman, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, confirmed the killings, describing the slain operatives as heroes who died protecting their communities.

When contacted, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would verify the attacks and provide updates.

Residents said that since Monday, several communities had been abandoned, including Dutsen Magaji, Borin-Aiki, Gidan Ruwa, and Magama, as families fled to Mashegu town, Kawo-Mashegu, and Manigi. Many displaced persons are currently staying with relatives in safer locations.

Meanwhile, the abductors of former chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo, have yet to release him despite reports that his family paid ₦70 million ransom.

He was kidnapped alongside NSIEC Commissioner Barrister Ahmad Mohammed and others on September 29, 2025, along the Mokwa–New Bussa road in Borgu LGA.

Bandits Kill 16 Vigilantes, Abduct 42 Villagers in Fresh Niger State Attacks