…As Igbo youths seek presidential intervention
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Global Defence Consortium and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team have condemned the arrest and detention of Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu; his lawyer, Chief Aloy Ejimakor; and other peaceful protesters who participated in Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow rally in Abuja.
This came as another group, the South-East Youths for Good Association, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise his prerogative of mercy and order Kanu’s release from detention.
Describing the arrest and detention of the peaceful protesters as illegal and an affront to justice, the Global Defence Consortium, in a statement signed by its leader, Onyedikachi Ifedi, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested.
The group insisted that peaceful protest remains a fundamental right of citizens under the Nigerian Constitution.
According to the statement, the arraignment of the protesters and their subsequent remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre “is a brazen attempt by the Nigerian authorities to isolate and psychologically break Mazi Nnamdi Kanu ahead of his scheduled defence hearing on Thursday, October 23, 2025.”
It described the arrest of Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Ejimakor, as “an assault on the right to legal representation.”
“It is deeply reprehensible that the Federal Government and its security agencies would arrest the lead defence counsel of a detained defendant in an ongoing capital trial. This act, ex facie, violates Section 36(6)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to adequate facilities for the preparation of their defence and to communicate freely with their legal counsel,” the group stated.
The consortium accused the Federal Government of persecuting Kanu’s family members, criminalising peaceful assembly, and undermining the integrity of his ongoing trial.
“The arrest of Prince Emmanuel Kanu, who oversees Mazi Kanu’s welfare and medical care under court-approved supervision, is cruel, vindictive, and calculated to inflict emotional distress.
“It constitutes collective punishment, contrary to Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and international human rights standards,” the group added.
It further stated that the detainees were merely exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and expression as guaranteed by Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution.
The group described the incident as “a contempt of court and a perversion of justice,” particularly since Chief Ejimakor is expected to appear in court on Thursday to represent Kanu.
“Any attempt to frustrate his appearance amounts to obstruction of justice and interference with judicial proceedings,” it declared.
The group demanded a public apology and accountability from the security agencies involved, as well as protection for Kanu’s legal team, family, and supporters against further harassment.
“This is not merely an attack on individuals; it is an attack on the very soul of justice, the rule of law, and the sanctity of the courts.
“No democracy can survive when lawyers, family members, and citizens are criminalised for standing by a man whose only ‘crime’ is to demand self-determination through lawful means,” the statement concluded.
The consortium urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Amnesty International, the United Nations, and other international human rights bodies to intervene and secure the release of all those arrested during the peaceful protest.
Meanwhile, the South-East Youths for Good Association, in a separate statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Silas Eke, and Secretary, Barr. S. Anokue, pleaded with President Tinubu to grant Kanu a presidential pardon in the interest of peace and national unity.
“As the father of this great country, South-East youths sincerely solicit your understanding, consideration, and magnanimity toward Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by granting him pardon and freedom, just like you did for others.
By so doing, your name will be immortalised in the hearts and records of humanity for this gesture of goodwill,” the group stated.
