AVID Demands Immediate Release of Kanu’s Brother, Lawyer, and Supporters

By our Reporter

The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has condemned in strong terms the arrest of Prince Emmanuel Kanu — younger brother of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu — alongside his lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, and other supporters during a peaceful protest in Abuja on Monday demanding Kanu’s release.

In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Sylvester Onyia, AVID described the arrests and the reported use of teargas on demonstrators as “a grave assault on democracy and the rule of law.”

Dr. Onyia explained that the protesters had assembled peacefully in Abuja and other parts of the country to press for compliance with court orders freeing Kanu, who has remained in detention since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021.

“Peaceful protest is not a crime,” Onyia stated. “Even under military rule, Nigerians expressed their grievances through protests. It is therefore unacceptable that under a democratic government, citizens are being teargassed, arrested, and humiliated for exercising their constitutional rights.”

He called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure accountability and instruct security agencies to respect the rule of law and citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.

“Police teargassing peaceful protesters undermines democracy,” Onyia asserted. “President Tinubu must ensure accountability and demonstrate that his administration upholds the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.”

AVID reaffirmed its opposition to any form of arbitrary arrest or intimidation of peaceful citizens, emphasizing that the demand for Kanu’s release is based on legality. The group recalled that the Court of Appeal, in its October 13, 2022 judgment, discharged and acquitted Kanu, declaring his extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria a violation of both domestic and international laws.

“The Court of Appeal has already ruled that Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention is illegal,” Onyia said. “We therefore demand his immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of his brother, his lawyer, and all others arrested for standing on the side of justice.”

The Monday protest, which attracted civil society groups and diaspora-based organizations, formed part of a wider campaign urging the Federal Government to comply with court rulings and uphold human rights in Kanu’s case.

AVID reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, justice, and dialogue, urging the government to embrace constructive engagement rather than repression.

“As veterans who fought for liberty and justice, we know that peace cannot be achieved by silencing dissent,” Onyia added. “The world is watching how Nigeria handles this matter — it is a true test of the nation’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.”