The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
It also demanded a compensation of N100 billion for his unconstitutional detention and dehumanisation.
Similarly, the group urged the federal government to compensate each of the South East states with N100 billion to address the region’s economic devastation caused by insecurity, mass arrests, and systemic neglect.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA criticised the federal government for its continued disregard for local court rulings and international human rights directives, including those of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
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Kanu, who was arrested and brought back to Nigeria from Kenya in July 2021, has been in detention since fleeing the country following a military raid on his home. He faces multiple charges, including treason.
However, the group said Kanu’s 30 months of detention “without lawful cause” represents a grave miscarriage of justice that undermines Nigeria’s democracy and respect for the rule of law.
“The prolonged and unconstitutional incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not just a personal tragedy but a stain on Nigeria’s commitment to justice, human rights and democratic principles.
“We call for his immediate and unconditional release, as directed by multiple court rulings, and demand a public apology from the federal government alongside a N100 billion compensation for the dehumanisation he has suffered,” HURIWA stated.
The organisation also noted that Kanu’s detention has exacerbated insecurity in the South East, resulting in a significant economic downturn for the region.
HURIWA estimated that the insecurity triggered by the government’s heavy-handed approach has cost the South East billions in lost revenue, disrupted education, and heightened unemployment among the youth.
“The economic bleeding of the South East zone, perpetuated by the unlawful arrests and detention of hundreds of Igbo youths under the guise of belonging to IPOB, has created a climate of fear and instability. This has deterred investments, shuttered businesses, and left millions of people struggling to survive.
“The federal government must compensate each of the five South East states with N100 billion to mitigate these economic losses and restore stability,” the statement added.
HURIWA proposed that the compensation funds be managed by the Bank of Industry, with a focus on skills acquisition and economic empowerment initiatives targeting one million youths from each of the five South East states.
The organisation argued that such an approach would provide tangible benefits and ensure that the funds are not misappropriated by political actors, as has been the case with similar initiatives.
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