The President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), FCT, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, has revealed that Nnamdi Kanu is optimistic about securing his release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) by April 2025.
In a statement following his visit to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, Ezenekwe reported that Kanu expressed disappointment over the absence of robust Igbo leadership and called for a renewed commitment to advocate for the region’s interests.
The ICA leader noted that, despite his detention, Kanu appeared healthy, had gained weight, and was in high spirits. Kanu reportedly reaffirmed his confidence in his legal team and expressed hope that the courts would grant him freedom in the coming weeks.
However, he lamented the worsening conditions faced by the Igbo people in Nigeria, emphasising that no prominent figures were actively championing their cause.
Ezenekwe also relayed Kanu’s concerns regarding the historical neglect of Igbo freedom fighters, specifically citing Ralph Uwazurike, who, according to Kanu, had noble intentions but was abandoned by his own people during his imprisonment. He cautioned that such neglect could undermine the struggle for self-determination.
In the statement, Ezenekwe made a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to intervene in Kanu’s case. He reminded the president of his past role in the pro-democracy movement and implored him to demonstrate the political will to secure Kanu’s release.
He stated that the continued detention of the IPOB leader is emblematic of political repression rather than justice.
The statement reads, “Today at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, I had the honour of visiting Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In a setting marked by political tension and community aspirations, our meeting served as a vital reminder of our shared struggle for recognition, justice, and the advancement of Igbo interests.
“During our discussion, Nnamdi Kanu, appearing healthier and more relaxed, reaffirmed his resilience despite his current circumstances.
“He conveyed a strong message of self-assurance, noting that he is taking his prescribed medications and remains in good spirits.
“More importantly, he expressed disappointment at the evident leadership vacuum within the Igbo community—a neglect that has allowed our people’s voice to fade at such a critical time.
“His sentiments stirred memories of past hardships endured by fellow freedom fighters, such as the neglect suffered by Ralph Uwazurike during earlier administrations, reminding us all of the sacrifices made for our collective struggle.
“At the peak of our conversation, Nnamdi Kanu passionately called for a referendum—a crucial step towards self-determination—and reiterated his firm belief that he has committed no crime other than urging our people to awaken from their complacency.
“His unwavering faith in his legal team and hope for release by the end of April 2025 resonated as a powerful testament to his dedication and resilience.
“This moment underscored a pivotal juncture in our ongoing fight for freedom and justice.
“As our meeting concluded, the personal observations I made only intensified my resolve. I was moved by his evident physical and emotional recovery—a beacon of hope amidst adversity.
“Kanu’s reflective recognition of past allies, even as he critiqued the current leadership, served as both a sobering reminder of our history and a clarion call to rectify the present.
“His message to the Igbo community was clear: we must not abandon our freedom fighters, whose sacrifices continue to illuminate the path to our liberation.
“In light of today’s encounter, I issue a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I call on him to draw upon the spirit of democracy and commitment to justice that defined his own struggles, and to take decisive action to secure the freedom of our brother and hero, Nnamdi Kanu.
“Let this moment be a turning point—a renewal of our collective determination to safeguard the rights, dignity, and future of the Igbo people.”
