Omoyele Sowore, a prominent human rights advocate and former presidential candidate, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to grant pardons to convicted politicians while Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in detention.

The pardons were extended to a wide range of convicted individuals, including a cocaine trafficker serving a life sentence, alleged coup plotter Mamman Vatsa, and former lawmaker Farouk Lawan, who was recorded accepting bribes.

Sowore expressed disappointment and frustration, highlighting the stark contrast between the president’s clemency towards those convicted of serious crimes and his refusal to consider Kanu’s release, despite multiple court orders demanding it. Kanu has been detained for years on charges related to treasonable felony, stirring widespread controversy and debate.

Controversy Surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention

Kanu’s detention has been a contentious issue in Nigeria, with many advocates calling for his release. The IPOB leader was first arrested in 2015 and has been in detention since 2021, when he was extradited to Nigeria from Kenya. Despite a Court of Appeal ruling in October 2022 that declared his extradition illegal and ordered his immediate release, Kanu remains in custody.

Sowore’s Criticism of the Tinubu Administration

Sowore argues that the administration’s actions reveal a troubling double standard in Nigeria’s justice system. “Kanu is the official prisoner of whoever is the president of Nigeria,” Sowore remarked, emphasizing that Kanu’s fate is a reflection of the state’s influence. He expressed skepticism about Kanu receiving fair treatment from the Nigerian judicial system, citing the president’s power over the courts.

Nationwide Calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

The exclusion of Kanu from the list of pardoned individuals has reignited calls nationwide for his release, fueling the growing movement under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow. Igbo groups, activists, and politicians have continued to voice concerns regarding Kanu’s health and safety, urging President Tinubu to reconsider his decision.