Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB Members Don’t Deserve Jail Over Biafra Agitation – Ejimakor

A lawyer to Nnamdi Kanu, Aloy Ejimakor, has argued that members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) should not be imprisoned simply for agitating for the restoration of Biafra.

Ejimakor made the remark while discussing Kanu’s continued detention and the broader legal and political issues surrounding the Biafra agitation.

The lawyer maintained that peaceful advocacy for self-determination should not, in itself, constitute a criminal offence, stressing that individuals should only be punished where there is evidence of specific criminal conduct.

He argued that the Biafra agitation has remained a political and self-determination issue and should be addressed through dialogue rather than the prolonged incarceration of those associated with the movement.

According to him, the government should distinguish between peaceful agitation and acts of violence, noting that criminal responsibility should be based on individual conduct rather than political association.

Ejimakor also maintained that Kanu’s case should be considered within the framework of constitutional rights, due process and the rule of law.

He urged the Federal Government to explore political solutions to the grievances associated with the agitation, rather than relying solely on prosecution and imprisonment.

The lawyer’s position comes amid continued calls from Kanu’s supporters and some South-East stakeholders for his release and a political resolution of the issues surrounding his case.

The Biafra agitation has remained a contentious political and security issue in the South-East, with successive administrations adopting different approaches to the demands for self-determination.

Ejimakor’s comments have renewed debate over whether prolonged legal action and incarceration can resolve the underlying grievances or whether dialogue and political engagement would provide a more sustainable solution.

He maintained that the rights of citizens to express political opinions must be respected, while stressing that any alleged criminal conduct should be addressed strictly through due process and established legal procedures.