In a recent statement, Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka has criticized the Nigerian government’s decision to keep the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in prison, as reported by Sahara Reporters.
In an interview with Noble Nigeria, Soyinka underlined Kanu’s right to pursue the cause for a separate nation of Biafra, noting that he was not accused of physical violence.
Kanu was extradited to Nigeria from Nairobi in June 2021 and has since been detained by the Department of State Services, facing charges related to alleged terrorist broadcasts.
Soyinka condemned Kanu’s detention as a “kidnapping,” criticizing former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s role in the extradition.
He expressed concerns over the government’s handling of Kanu’s case, highlighting delays in the legal proceedings.
Soyinka urged the government to address the charges against Kanu urgently and transparently, rather than prolonging the process.
“It is a mistake keeping Nnamdi Kanu in prison, I believe. In fact, they kidnapped him.”
“His language was inciteful, yes, no question about that. But you don’t arrest, you don’t kidnap people. Buhari had an obsession with kidnapping people.“
“That seemed to be his trademark. It is like he couldn’t fulfil himself unless he’s put somebody in a crate and brought them back.“
“I think that politically speaking, if they have any real charges against him, well, since he is in their hands, they should try him. All these technical postponements, delays, and avoiding the basic issues, for me, is counter-productive,” he stated.
