Jarvis Johnson, a Democratic representative in the Texas House of Representatives, has urged the Supreme Court to mandate the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Supreme Court is poised to render judgment in two separate appeals filed by Kanu and the Federal Government.
Kanu, currently held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his extradition from Kenya on June 19, 2021, is seeking his release.
In a statement, Johnson asserted, “The prevailing legal consensus, both within and outside Nigeria, anticipates the Supreme Court’s affirmation of numerous judgments and orders.”
Johnson highlighted the uncontested facts surrounding Kanu’s case, emphasizing that he was extradited from Kenya on June 27, 2021, and remains the leader of IPOB—a non-violent group advocating for an internationally supervised referendum to address the Biafran issue within the Nigerian polity.
Johnson pointed out the Enugu State High Court’s decision on October 30, 2023, which declared the classification of IPOB as a terrorist group by the Government of Nigeria (GON) and the Southeast Governor’s Forum as a violation of Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution.
He argued that the treatment of IPOB as a terrorist group is illegal and discriminatory, especially in light of previous judgments from Nigerian courts, including the High Court in Umuahia, Abia State, and the Court of Appeals in Abuja.
Highlighting international concerns, Johnson noted the United Nations Human Rights Council’s opinion on July 20, 2022, which condemned Kanu’s solitary confinement as a violation of International Human Rights Conventions.
The UN called for his immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing that extraordinary rendition is illegal under both Nigerian and international law.
In conclusion, Johnson called upon the Nigerian Supreme Court to uphold the judgments of its subordinate courts and international tribunals.
He urged the court to order the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, asserting that such a ruling would contribute to restoring confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, with the Supreme Court serving as its apex institution.