The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to end what it describes as the unjust and politically motivated trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the then proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). IPOB was reportedly deproscribed by a state high court in Enugu State.
HURIWA argued that the prolonged detention and continued judicial proceedings against Mazi Kanu are clear violations of his fundamental human rights and an abuse of judicial processes.
HURIWA expressed outrage in a Media Statement over the ongoing violations of Mazi Kanu’s rights, emphasizing that the government has no concrete evidence linking him to any crimes, yet continues to detain him under humiliating conditions. The group stated that Mazi. Kanu’s medical condition often deteriorates in detention, and securing permission for his doctors to attend to him requires intense legal battles against the SSS.
“Why is Mazi Nnamdi Kanu being treated like this in the 21st century? It is very unfortunate that a democratically elected government, which claims to promote good governance and fundamental freedoms under the 1999 Constitution, continues to violate the rights of a man who has committed no crime,” HURIWA said.
HURIWA criticized the manner in which Mazi Kanu was illegally abducted from Kenya, likening his treatment to that of a common criminal, despite there being no evidence of him inciting violence or advocating for the killing of anyone. They argued that Mazi Kanu’s actions—broadcasting his opinions from London—were a legitimate exercise of his fundamental human rights.
“The government has no case against him,” HURIWA stressed. “They are dragging him from one court to another, using him like a judicial guinea pig. It’s high time the government either releases him unconditionally or applies reasonable conditions because he has not committed any offense.”
The recent decision by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja to recuse herself from Mazi Kanu’s trial has been welcomed by HURIWA, which described the move as courageous and in line with the Constitution. The judge’s decision came after Mazi Kanu and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, made oral applications for her withdrawal during a court session. Justice Nyako acknowledged that Mazi Kanu had lost confidence in the court’s ability to ensure a fair trial.
HURIWA commended Justice Nyako’s action and urged the Attorney General of the Federation to discontinue the case against Mazi Kanu. “There should be a ‘nolle prosequi’ on this case,” HURIWA stated, arguing that the government should stop prosecuting Mazi Kanu as there is no legitimate ground for his continued detention.
HURIWA further compared Mazi Kanu’s situation to that of Bello Bodejo, the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, who was recently released after the Federal Government withdrew terrorism charges against him. Bodejo was arrested and charged with establishing an ethnic militia and engaging in activities prejudicial to national security. Despite the serious allegations, the charges were dropped, and Bodejo was quickly freed.
“Bodejo made numerous inflammatory statements that fueled crises across Nigeria, and some members of his association have been linked to violence in states like Benue and Plateau. Yet, within a short time, he was released, and the charges against him were dismissed. This stands in stark contrast to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s ordeal,” HURIWA pointed out.
HURIWA questioned why Mazi Kanu remains in detention while individuals like Bodejo, who have openly admitted involvement in controversial activities, are allowed freedom. “Is it because of his ethnicity?” HURIWA asked, condemning the discriminatory treatment.
The group also referenced the case of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who openly admitted to paying off Fulani militants in 2016 to stop the killings in Southern Kaduna. HURIWA argued that El-Rufai’s admission of interacting with known killers should have warranted an investigation, yet no action was taken against him, highlighting a clear double standard.
“El-Rufai is a free man despite his confessions, but Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has done nothing more than express his opinions, is being maltreated. This selective justice is unacceptable,” HURIWA said.
HURIWA urged President Tinubu to end the legal circus surrounding Mazi Kanu’s trial and respect his rights as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution. “The continued persecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a stain on Nigeria’s democratic values. He should be released immediately,” the group demanded.
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko
National Coordinator,
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
September 26, 2024
