Nnamdi Kanu: Imprisoning Popular Leaders Creates More Problems, Lawyer Tells FG
Aloy Ejimakor, special counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, has urged the Federal Government to reconsider the continued imprisonment of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Ejimakor argued that keeping influential or popular leaders behind bars often creates additional challenges for governments rather than resolving the issues that led to their arrest.
The constitutional lawyer made the remark on Tuesday while advocating for Kanu’s release in a post shared on X.
Ejimakor cites Awolowo, Mandela
Making his case, Ejimakor pointed to the experiences of prominent historical figures such as Obafemi Awolowo and Nelson Mandela.
He maintained that the imprisonment of widely supported leaders had previously failed to achieve lasting solutions and, in some cases, created even greater political difficulties for governments.
“On this #XTuesday for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, let the government be reminded that the imprisonment of a popular leader never did any good for the government,” Ejimakor said.
He added that such actions often brought “more problems than it solved,” citing Awolowo and Mandela as examples before renewing his call for Kanu’s release.
Court sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment
Kanu has remained in prison following his conviction by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025.
Justice James Omotosho found the IPOB leader guilty on all seven counts brought against him, involving terrorism, treason and the illegal importation of broadcasting equipment.
Although the prosecution had sought severe punishment, the court imposed life imprisonment on counts one, four, five and six instead of the death penalty.
Kanu was also handed a 20-year prison term on count three and another five-year sentence on count seven.
The sentences were ordered to run concurrently, meaning they would be served at the same time.
Ejimakor’s latest comments have once again placed Kanu’s imprisonment at the centre of renewed calls for his release, as his legal team continues to challenge his continued detention.
