•Incarcerated IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu and students protest
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) today, staged a peaceful protest in Abuja to demand the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The NANS faction led by its National President, Comrade Atiku Isah (GCNS), said they were deeply concerned about what they described as “injustice” surrounding Kanu’s prolonged detention despite court rulings granting him bail, reports Daily Independent.
Speaking during the protest, Isah said, “We find it difficult to understand why Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is still in detention when courts of competent jurisdiction have granted him bail before. Justice delayed is justice denied.”
He criticised the government for what he called double standards in handling issues of national concern, pointing out that while armed groups were being engaged in dialogue, Kanu was still held in custody.
“A few weeks ago, bandits displaying dangerous weapons sat with government representatives to negotiate the return of peace after killing many people and destroying properties.
“Yet, Mazi Kanu, who only spoke out and demanded fair treatment for his people, is being treated like a criminal,” the NANS president stated.
The student body stressed that freedom of expression is a fundamental right and warned that silence in the face of injustice would not serve the unity of the country.
“It is the right of all Nigerians who are aggrieved to speak up. NANS will continue to protest injustice because an injury to one is an injury to all,” Isah added.
Describing October 1 as a historic day for reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey, the student leaders called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter.
“Today being October 1st is historic, and we urge President Tinubu to grant our request in the interest of justice, peace, and unity,” Isah appealed.
The protest ended peacefully with the students vowing to sustain their demand until, in their words, “justice is served” where Nnamdi who has been in detention since 2021 would be released.
