Special Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Aloy Ejimakor, has argued that Kanu and other members of the group should not be imprisoned for advocating the actualisation of Biafra.
Ejimakor made the position known on Saturday in a statement titled, “Nobody Deserves Jail for Demanding Biafra in Strong Words.”
The lawyer said imprisoning Kanu and other alleged IPOB members over their political views could set a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression and political participation in Nigeria.
According to him, a genuine democracy should address the grievances underlying calls for self-determination rather than relying on what he described as harsh law enforcement and judicial measures to suppress such demands.
Ejimakor argued that demanding a separate state is recognised as a fundamental right under international principles and maintained that advocating for Biafra, regardless of how strong or provocative the language used may be, should not automatically be equated with terrorism or treason.
He said, “Demanding a separate State is, unarguably, a fundamental human right recognized under the laws of nations. It’s not a crime. Thus, merely advocating for Biafra – regardless of how strong, provocative or harsh the rhetoric may be does not equate to terrorism or treason.”
The lawyer further warned that imprisoning Kanu and others over their speech or political positions could undermine free political expression.
“Free speech inherently includes the right to express controversial, unpopular and challenging political stances,” he said.
Ejimakor maintained that the continued imprisonment of individuals advocating self-determination could deepen divisions and resentment while creating the impression that political dissent is being criminalised.
He called for dialogue and political engagement as alternatives to imprisonment, arguing that nation-building requires addressing grievances through peaceful political processes.
The lawyer also referenced independence and self-determination movements in other parts of the world, including Scotland and Catalonia, to argue that political demands for greater autonomy or separation have occurred in democratic societies.
He accused the Nigerian government of treating political speech and radio broadcasts as more dangerous than acts of violence, while alleging that some killings in the country have gone without adequate punishment.
Ejimakor described Kanu’s prosecution and imprisonment as punishment for a political demand rather than a legitimate response to criminal conduct.
He urged the Federal Government to release what he termed “prisoners of conscience” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Thus, for the sake of Nigeria’s peace and tranquility, the best way forward at this critical time is to free all prisoners of conscience before the 2027 general elections,” he said.