The ongoing debate over the extended detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), gained renewed momentum on Tuesday as both the National Assembly and the Abia State House of Assembly escalated demands for his urgent medical care and potential release.
During the House of Representatives plenary session, lawmakers agreed to revisit a motion later this week that calls for immediate medical intervention for Kanu, who has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since his extradition from Kenya in 2021.
This development came after Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu stepped in following a point of order raised by Hon. Obi Aguocha, representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in Abia State. Aguocha criticized the federal government’s silence regarding what he described as Kanu’s rapidly declining health.
Aguocha informed the House that despite sending formal requests to both the National Assembly leadership and the Federal Government, no response had been received concerning the urgent medical needs of Kanu.
Kanu was initially detained on October 14, 2015, facing 11 charges related to terrorism and treasonable felony. Since his re-arrest and extraordinary rendition in 2021, he has remained in custody amid ongoing legal battles and several court orders granting him bail.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the session, requested that Aguocha withdraw his motion to allow for a proper presentation, noting that the motion had been introduced under incorrect House procedures.
Deputy Speaker Kalu assured the House that the issue would be formally reintroduced for comprehensive debate in the coming days.
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“Mr. Speaker, as a fellow Abia State representative, I confirm that we will submit the motion correctly within the week,” Kalu stated. “We seek your patience to grant us the opportunity for a thorough hearing, possibly by tomorrow or the day after.”
Speaker Abbas responded by affirming the House’s readiness to discuss the matter once the motion is properly filed.
“My concern was solely about the procedural aspect, not the content. We are prepared to allocate sufficient time for its presentation,” he said.
Simultaneously, the Abia State House of Assembly in Umuahia announced plans to organize a peaceful demonstration in Abuja, advocating for Kanu’s release on medical grounds.
During its Tuesday session, the state legislature aligned with Governor Alex Otti and other South-East leaders in urging President Bola Tinubu to honor court directives ordering Kanu’s release.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Deputy Speaker Austin Mmeregini, representing Umuahia East Constituency.
Mmeregini voiced deep concern over Kanu’s deteriorating health and called on Governor Otti to intensify efforts toward securing his freedom. He also encouraged South-East lawmakers in the National Assembly and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to maintain pressure for Kanu’s medical treatment and unconditional release.
Backing the motion, Hon. Isiehi Boniface from Ikwuano Constituency suggested that the Assembly dispatch a delegation to the National Assembly to engage with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, followed by a press briefing.
Another legislator, Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke of Ohafia South, expressed frustration that Kanu’s continued detention has exacerbated insecurity in parts of Abia, despite the state government’s efforts to restore calm.
In his address, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Speaker of the Abia Assembly, criticized what he described as inconsistent application of justice and condemned the Federal Government for disregarding court orders granting Kanu bail.
“Many of us concur that Kanu’s ongoing detention is irregular and unlawful unless there are undisclosed reasons,” Emeruwa stated. “We appeal to the President to exercise clemency and release him. Every citizen is entitled to fundamental human rights, and it would be tragic if Kanu were to die while in custody. His trial remains unresolved, and his alleged offenses do not warrant denial of bail.”
Emeruwa further urged Governor Otti, South-East legislators, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and other stakeholders to persist in advocating for Kanu’s medical care and liberation.