By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA — Two United States-based self-determination advocacy groups have called on the Nigerian government to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, citing concerns about his health and demanding a referendum on self-determination.
The groups, Avid Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, made the demands in a joint statement signed on Thursday by Dr Sylvester Onyia, Mazi Evans Nwankwo and Dede Maxwell.
They called for Kanu’s immediate medical evacuation and treatment, as well as respect for his fundamental human rights.
The organisations argued that demands for a self-determination referendum should be addressed through democratic processes rather than criminal prosecution.
They cited recent developments in the United Kingdom, including parliamentary discussions on self-determination, as examples of how such demands could be considered through democratic institutions.
“If the United Kingdom can allow open debate and parliamentary votes on self-determination in 2026, by what twisted logic does Nigeria criminalise the same demand?” the statement queried.
The groups called for the recognition of a referendum as a constitutional right in Nigeria, arguing that communities should have the opportunity to determine their political future.
They maintained that Kanu’s advocacy for a referendum should not, in itself, constitute a criminal act.
On his health, the organisations alleged that Kanu was not receiving adequate medical attention in detention and demanded that he be evacuated for treatment.
“The deliberate neglect of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s health in detention is not merely inhumane,” the statement said.
The groups also questioned the British government’s response to Kanu’s case, noting that he is a British citizen. They urged the UK government to seek explanations from Nigerian authorities concerning his treatment and the legal proceedings against him.
They further expressed concern about the handling of his appeal against his conviction, questioning why the case had yet to be heard.
Kanu, who leads IPOB, was convicted on terrorism-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in Sokoto in September 2026, according to the statement.
The organisations said the case raised broader questions about the treatment of people advocating self-determination and called for greater protection of fundamental rights.
They argued that Kanu’s political demands should be considered within broader discussions about justice, equity and federalism in Nigeria.
The groups also urged Nigerians to support peaceful debate on the country’s political future, insisting that citizens should be able to express views on self-determination without fear.
They reiterated their demands for Kanu’s release, access to medical treatment and recognition of the right of communities to determine their future through a referendum.
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