A letter dated August 25, 2023, signed by Kanu’s lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, conveys this stance. The letter was made available to our correspondent during the late hours of August 28, 2023.
Expressing concern about the dire state of Kanu’s confinement under the custody of the Department of State Services, Ozekhome requested that the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory appoint a Magistrate to inspect the detention center.
Kanu asserts that at this juncture, imploring for his release would be a disservice to the legacy of the late Pa Mbazulike Amechi. Despite his advanced age and poor health, Pa Mbazulike Amechi had repeatedly journeyed from the South-East to Abuja, entreating the Federal Government to honor his final wish. Regrettably, this plea was met with disrespect and remained unfulfilled.
These crucial points were highlighted during a meeting between the IPOB leader, his legal team, and family members. According to a statement released by Kanu’s counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, titled “Update on our regular visit to our unwavering client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the Headquarters of the State Security Services, Abuja, where he is being unlawfully held in solitary confinement.”
Ejiofor stated “Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu used this visit to extend his heartfelt appreciation to all individuals of conscience and organizations advocating for his release. He did, however, note that some might not fully grasp the uniqueness of his case. He urged us to clarify that he has been legitimately discharged through the Court of Appeal’s verdict on October 13, 2022, which also decreed an end to his trial and detention. Consequently, there are no ongoing charges against Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in any court at present.”
Furthermore, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu adamantly affirms that soliciting the Federal Government for his release at this stage would be an affront to the memory of late Pa Mbazulike Amechi. Despite his age and ill health, Pa Mbazulike Amechi persistently traveled from the South-East to Abuja, imploring the Nigerian Federal Government to honor his final wish. Regrettably, this plea was met with disdain by the government and went unanswered.
Hence, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu firmly believes that he need not plead with the FGN for his release. The Court of Appeal has already issued a definitive statement in this regard, and this pronouncement remains steadfast to date.
Consequently, the appropriate call for anyone of good will, given the circumstances of his unlawful detention, is for the Supreme Court to promptly schedule a hearing date for the appeal filed by the Federal Government, in accordance with the Criminal Appeals Practice Directions of the Supreme Court.
“On August 28, 2023, we visited our resolute client, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to brief him on the various steps taken by the legal team, led by Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, to address pertinent concerns regarding his well-being and the failure of the SSS to provide his medical records.
“As a result, our distinguished lead counsel, Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN, in response to the SSS’s refusal to furnish Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu with his medical records, as directed by Hon. Justice Binta Nyako in the judgment delivered on July 20, 2023, has initiated contempt proceedings against the State Security Service and its Director General. This is due to their blatant disregard for a court order,” said Ejiofor.