The President-General of the Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, has revealed that Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, is optimistic about securing his release from the custody of the Department of State Services by April 2025.
Ezenekwe made this known in a statement following his visit to Kanu at the DSS headquarters in Abuja. During the visit, which took place on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 1:30 pm, Ezenekwe noted that despite his detention, Kanu appeared healthy, had gained weight, and remained in high spirits. He also expressed confidence in his legal team, believing that the courts would grant him freedom within the coming weeks.
In his statement, Ezenekwe highlighted Kanu’s disappointment over the perceived lack of strong Igbo leadership. Kanu reportedly lamented the deteriorating conditions of the Igbo people in Nigeria, stressing that no prominent voices were actively defending their cause. The ICA leader noted that Kanu’s reflections included concerns about the historical neglect of Igbo freedom fighters, particularly citing the case of Ralph Uwazurike, who, according to Kanu, had good intentions but was abandoned by his people during his imprisonment. Kanu warned that such neglect could undermine the struggle for self-determination.
Ezenekwe also conveyed Kanu’s call for a referendum as a pivotal step towards self-determination. Kanu reiterated that he had committed no offense other than urging the Igbo people to awaken from their slumber. His passionate call underscored his dedication to the cause despite his current circumstances.
During their discussion, Kanu expressed his disappointment at what he termed a leadership vacuum within the Igbo community. He noted that this void had led to the weakening of the Igbo voice at a crucial moment, urging the community not to forsake freedom fighters who continue to pave the way for liberation.
In his statement on Thursday, Ezenekwe made a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to intervene in Kanu’s case. He reminded the president of his own history in the pro-democracy movement, calling on him to demonstrate the political will needed to secure Kanu’s release.
According to Ezenekwe, Kanu’s continued detention symbolises political repression rather than justice. He called on Tinubu to reflect on the democratic principles that defined his own struggles and act decisively in favour of Kanu’s freedom.
Reflecting on his visit, Ezenekwe said:
“Yesterday, Wednesday, 2 April 2025, at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, I had the honour of visiting Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, at 1:30 pm. In a setting shaped by political tension and community aspirations, our meeting served as a vital reminder of our shared struggle for recognition, justice, and the advancement of Igbo interests.
“During our discussion, Nnamdi Kanu, appearing healthier and more relaxed, reaffirmed his resilience despite his current circumstances.
“He communicated a strong message of self-assurance, noting that he is taking his prescribed medications and remains in good spirits.
“More significantly, he expressed disappointment at the apparent leadership vacuum within the Igbo community—a neglect that has allowed our people’s voice to fade at a critical moment.
“His sentiments evoked memories of past hardships endured by fellow freedom fighters, such as the neglect experienced by Ralph Uwazurike during previous administrations, reminding us all of the sacrifices made for our collective struggle.
“At the peak of our conversation, Nnamdi Kanu passionately called for a referendum—a pivotal step towards self-determination—and reiterated his firm belief that he has committed no offense other than urging our people to awaken from their slumber.
“His unwavering confidence in his legal team, and his hope for release by the end of April 2025, resonated as a powerful testament to his dedication and fortitude.
“This moment highlighted a critical juncture in our ongoing fight for freedom and justice.
“As our meeting drew to a close, the personal observations I made only deepened my resolve. I was moved by his evident physical and emotional recovery—a sign of hope amidst adversity.
“Kanu’s reflective acknowledgment of past allies, even as he critiqued the current state of leadership, served as both a sobering reminder of our history and a call to rectify the present.
“His message to the Igbo community was clear: we must not forsake our freedom fighters, whose sacrifices continue to light the path to our liberation.
“In light of today’s encounter, I issue an earnest appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I call on him to draw upon the spirit of democracy and commitment to justice that defined his own struggles, and to take decisive action in securing the freedom of our brother and hero, Nnamdi Kanu.
“Let this moment serve as a turning point—a renewal of our collective determination to safeguard the rights, dignity, and future of the Igbo people.”
