On October 1, 2024, Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), rejected the call by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo sociocultural organization for Kanu to be granted a political pardon.
Ohanaeze’s National Vice President, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, made the plea during Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations, suggesting that Kanu’s release would help restore peace in the southeast region and address the ongoing sit-at-home protests. He urged President Bola Tinubu to grant a pardon to Kanu, who is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
However, Ejimakor responded, pointing out that Kanu has not been convicted of any crime and, therefore, does not qualify for a pardon. “It’s shocking that you’re asking for a pardon for someone who is NOT yet convicted,” Ejimakor stated on X (formerly Twitter). He emphasized that pardons are only granted to convicted felons, adding, “This will never arise in this case because Nnamdi Kanu committed no crime by demanding political justice for his people.”
Ejimakor’s comments reflect his ongoing stance that Kanu’s detention is unjust and that his actions were motivated by a legitimate demand for political justice for the people of the southeast.
This disagreement highlights the divide within Igbo leadership over the best approach to resolving the situation surrounding Kanu and the broader Biafra movement. While Ohanaeze seeks a political solution, Ejimakor continues to stress that Kanu’s actions do not warrant a criminal conviction.
