The former spokesman of President Bola Tinubu in the South East, Denge Josef Onoh, has appealed to the President to adopt a political rather than legal approach in resolving the case of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu is expected in court today, Friday, as IPOB continues to advocate for strict adherence to the rule of law in his trial. In response to Onoh’s earlier criticism of the group’s rhetoric, IPOB maintained that the real issue lies in the government’s abuse of the rule of law.
IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, insisted the group was not obstructing justice, but argued that Kanu’s continued detention was a product of “legal irregularities and procedural defects,” stressing the need to uphold constitutional safeguards.
Reacting to this, Onoh described IPOB’s position as “a clear testament to integrity, a demonstration of readiness to embrace dialogue as the path forward, rather than the shadows of violence that has haunted the South East region.”
He added that IPOB’s tone shows “the door to constructive conversation is wide open—provided it is met with sincerity from leaders such as President Tinubu.” Onoh therefore urged the President to formally pursue a political and diplomatic solution to secure Kanu’s unconditional release.
“This is not only a moral imperative, but one squarely within the constitutional powers of the Attorney General of the Federation, who holds the authority to invoke Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) for nolle prosequi or other discretionary remedies in the interest of justice and national peace. IPOB’s statement meticulously outlines the legal irregularities plaguing Kanu’s detention, which demand immediate rectification to uphold the sanctity of our judiciary,” Onoh said.
He further noted that IPOB had pointed out that Kanu was previously discharged and acquitted on the charges at issue, making any retrial a violation of Section 36(9) of the Constitution, which prohibits double jeopardy.
“Furthermore, the prosecution’s reliance on the repealed Terrorism Prevention (Amended) Act 2013, superseded by subsequent legislation—renders the case constitutionally untenable,” he stated.
Onoh also highlighted IPOB’s concerns about the misuse of civil ex parte orders to underpin criminal liability, which he argued contravenes the right to a fair hearing under Section 36. He added that the absence of cross-border procedural approvals for Kanu’s rendition further invalidates the trial.
“To underscore the urgency and viability of such a political solution, Onoh made reference to the recent global precedent that unfolded just yesterday at the United Nations General Assembly. Ahmed al-Sharaa—formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the once-most-wanted terrorist leader in Syria by the United States, with a $10 million bounty on his head for his role in al-Qaeda affiliates and the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024—was granted the platform to address the world body as Syria’s transitional president.
“This extraordinary allowance, amid ongoing concerns over his past, exemplifies how pragmatic diplomacy can transcend persecution, fostering stability over endless retribution. If the international community can pivot from bounties to dialogue for Syria’s sake, surely Nigeria—under your visionary leadership—can extend the same olive branch to resolve the Southeast’s grievances without further bloodshed.”
Onoh reminded Tinubu of his long-standing connection with the South East.
“You remain the first Nigerian politician in our democratic history to appoint a regional spokesman during your campaign, a bold gesture that signaled your intent to listen, engage, and address the marginalization felt by our people. That foresight has now borne fruit, as evidenced by this very moment of potential breakthrough with IPOB.
“It is a validation of your inclusive vision and a call to action to build on this momentum. I implore you, Mr. President, to summon the same resolute spirit of political dialogue that enabled you to deftly resolve the protracted crises in Rivers State—crises that threatened our federation’s fabric. Apply that wisdom here: release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally, paving the way for broader reconciliation in the Southeast.”
Onoh also condemned what he described as double standards in the government’s treatment of different groups.
“The people of my region find it ultimately provoking and an affront to their collective intelligence that negotiations continue unabated with terrorist bandits in the North, even as olive branches are extended to them, while Kanu—a non-violent agitator—languish in detention under a cloud of legal infirmity. Such disparity fuels despair, your intervention can ignite hope.”
He concluded with a personal plea: “I once again plead that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu be released to Iyom Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Senator John Azuta-Mbata (President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo). I humbly plead that he be released today, if not, the most important thing is that he spends Christmas with his family and visit the grave of his late father and offer his prayers.”
