“Demands Release of Nnamdi Kanu for Medical Treatment”

Bishop Prof. Emeka Nwankpa, the Convener of the South East Mandate for Good, has issued a strong and uncompromising demand to the Federal Government, insisting on the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to enable him access to critical medical treatment.

The respected cleric and regional leader made this declaration following the recent visit by a team of independent medical experts, commissioned by the Nigerian Medical Council at the request of the Attorney General, who conducted a comprehensive medical assessment of Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility, yesterday, 24th September, 2025.

The report from the medical team not only validated the initial diagnosis by renowned cardiologist Prof. Aghaji, who had earlier deposed to an affidavit detailing Kanu’s serious health conditions, but also uncovered additional ailments, further intensifying fears about the IPOB leader’s deteriorating state.

“This is not a plea. It is a demand based on the facts, the law, and our collective conscience,” Bishop Nwankpa stated firmly. “The government has no moral or legal justification to continue holding a man who is unwell and unable to access proper medical care. Release Nnamdi Kanu now for treatment before this becomes a tragedy the nation cannot defend.”

He decried what he described as the deliberate delay in acting on credible medical evidence, warning that continued detention under such conditions constitutes a violation of both local and international human rights standards, and a crime against humanity.

“We cannot speak of justice while allowing a man to rot in custody with failing health,” the Bishop added. “It is only a healthy person that can stand trial. To continue this detention is to weaponize the justice system against life itself.

Bishop Nwankpa further criticized those who have attempted to trivialize Kanu’s health, particularly the earlier opposition raised by Dr. Nasiru Muhammed, which has now been discredited by the findings of the neutral, multi-regional medical team.

He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Attorney General to act swiftly, asserting that the world is watching how Nigeria handles this moment.

“History will judge all those in positions of authority. Let no one say they were not warned. Let it be known that the South East is watching. The world is watching. This is no longer about Kanu as an individual; this is about whether Nigeria still has a conscience.”

The South East Mandate for Good, along with other human rights groups and concerned citizens, has vowed to escalate advocacy if swift action is not taken in the coming days. As tensions rise and public concern grows, the Federal Government now faces a defining choice – to uphold justice and humanity, or allow silence and inaction to lead to irreversible consequences.