The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed optimism about his release, which he says will happen very soon, after spending over four years in continuous detention.
The resilient IPOB leader said he is confident that he will be granted bail this April after being detained since June 2021 when he was arrested in Kanya with the help of Interpol and was extradited to Nigeria.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu said this on Wednesday when the President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe visited him at the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.
Engr. Ellis-Ezenekwe, in a press statement narrating his experience following his visit to the IPOB leader, said he looked healthier and was very jovial when they met. He added that his resolve towards the advocacy of inclusivity and equity for the southeast region remains unshaken.
Ezenekwe also shared that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu expressed his disappointment regarding the weakness of Igbo leadership and called for his release, and emphasized the need for renewed efforts to advocate for the interests of the region.
The statement reads, “Today at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, I had the honor of visiting Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). During our discussion, he appeared healthier and more relaxed and reaffirmed his resilience despite his current circumstances.
“He called for a referendum, describing it as a pivotal step towards self-determination, and reiterated his firm belief that he has committed no offense other than urging our people to awake from their slumber.
“He communicated a strong message of self-assurance, noting that he is taking his prescribed medications and remains in good spirits.
“More significantly, he expressed disappointment at the apparent leadership vacuum within the Igbo community—a neglect that has allowed our people’s voice to fade at a critical moment.”
“Kanu expressed unwavering confidence in his legal team and his hope for release by the end of April 2025. This resonated as a powerful testament to his dedication and fortitude.”
