The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and order the immediate and unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a joint statement signed by its President, Comrade Isah Atiku Abubakar, and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Orowole Eniola, the students’ body said Kanu’s prolonged detention has become “a matter of serious concern” and urged the President to adopt a political solution to resolve the issue.
“Kanu has been in detention since June 27, 2021, after his arrest in Kenya and subsequent extradition to Nigeria. It is evident that he has been granted bail on several occasions by courts of competent jurisdiction, yet those judgments have not been enforced nor officially denied by the Federal Government,” Abubakar said.
The association noted that several groups, leaders, and organizations across the country and beyond have also called for the IPOB leader’s release.
“Notable individuals, religious organizations, political groups, international organizations, as well as Ohaneze Ndigbo, Umudioka community, governors and lawmakers—especially those from the South-East—have consistently demanded his unconditional release,” the statement read.
Following its meeting at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, NANS resolved to formally approach the Presidency to present the demands of Nigerian students.
According to Comrade Abubakar, the request is not only about Kanu but about safeguarding national unity.
“We hereby appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu by recommending a political solution to the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, because we understand that the President believes in the rule of law and the unity of the country,” he said.
He stressed that continued detention sends the wrong signal to Nigerians, particularly the youth in the South-East.
“No section of the country should feel marginalized or be treated like second-class citizens. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a national asset to the country and should be allowed to contribute his quota,” the NANS president declared.
Also speaking, NANS PRO Comrade Orowole Eniola said Nigerian students expect President Tinubu to rise to the occasion as a statesman.
“Mr. President has a historic opportunity to heal wounds and strengthen our democracy. Releasing Kanu will not only douse tension in the South-East but also reaffirm the belief that this administration is committed to justice and fairness,” he said.
NANS reaffirmed its commitment to national unity, while urging the government to embrace dialogue over prolonged confrontation.