According to him Kanu rather escaped to save his life, which was heavily under threat during the invasion of his home by the armed soldiers.
Human rights lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) has described the self-determination struggle of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by Nnamdi Kanu as legally guaranteed in the laws.
Ozekhome who disclosed this in a keynote address at the Handshake Across The Niger 2, held in Enugu on Friday, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to order immediate release of the incarcerated leader of IPOB, Mazi Kanu.
“For the information of those harbouring the thought that it was an illegality or unconstitutionality, his self determination agitation, is in line with the Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948); African Charter of Human and People’s Rights; Article 3&4 of United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People (2007) among others. Nigeria is signatory to all these statue."
The handshake was organised by Nzuko Umumna is a project seeking to close the gap among major tribes in the country for a better Nigeria.
However, in his keynote address the luminary regretted the level of impunity in this country by leaders, adding that a Nigerian court ordered the release of Kanu but the federal government which should protect the rights of its citizens filed for a stay of execution and same court granted it.
Ozekhome, who is the lead counsel for the IPOB leader, insisted that Kanu never jumped bail as was erroneously bandied by the federal government.
According to him Kanu rather escaped to save his life, which was heavily under threat during the invasion of his home by the armed soldiers.
He queried, if Kanu had been killed by the invading Nigerian Army whether the court case would have continued.
He said, “We are telling the federal government that this is not proper. Set this man free. Nnamdi Kanu is not well. He has ear pains. The DSS doctors have confirmed that he is not doing well, health wise.
“But they would still not allow him access to his own private doctor.
“We have told the Supreme Court to do the needful. The case has been adjourned till 11th of May.
“Please sir, on my bended knees, you can order the release of Nnamdi Kanu today. You can do it through the Attorney General of the Federation, who has the power to discontinue the case.
“You don’t have to wait for the Supreme Court decision before you do the right thing."