Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest in Abuja, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The students also called for the payment of compensation to Kanu as ordered by the courts, which had earlier discharged him of the charges preferred against him. In addition, they urged an end to what they described as “unnecessary litigation” against the IPoB leader.
Speaking during the protest, the National President of NANS, Comrade Atiku Isah, expressed shock that the Federal Government had refused to heed calls for Kanu’s release despite his failing health—particularly at a time when several local government authorities in the country were negotiating peace deals with bandits.
Isah said he could not understand why known killers were granted state pardons while a freedom agitator was being treated like a criminal.
“NANS finds it difficult to understand why Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is still in detention when courts of competent jurisdiction have previously granted him bail,” he said.
“Just a few weeks ago, bandits displaying dangerous weapons sat with government representatives to negotiate peace after killing many people and destroying properties. Yet, Mazi, who only spoke out to demand fair treatment for his people, is being treated like a criminal. It is the right of all Nigerians who feel aggrieved to speak up.”
He further stated: “NANS will continue to protest against injustice because an injury to one is an injury to all.”
Describing the protest as symbolic, the NANS president noted: “Today, October 1, 2025, is historic, and we urge President Tinubu to grant our request in the interest of justice, peace, and unity.”
