News
Nnamdi Kanu: US-Based Cleric Demands His Immediate Release, Cite Reason
A United States–based Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Augustine Odimmegwa, has demanded the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that his continued detention violates both Nigerian and international law. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
Fr. Odimmegwa, who serves as the Coordinator of Rising Sun, a US-based nonprofit organization, made the call in a statement issued on Sunday and made available to journalists, condemning what he described as the “shameful abuse of justice” surrounding Kanu’s prolonged incarceration.
“We, the people, are saying it loud and clear: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu should not be in detention for one more day,” he declared.
“He was abducted, not extradited. The law is clear – when a man is taken illegally from another country, no court in Nigeria has any right to try him.”
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, has been in detention since June 2021 after he was forcibly returned to Nigeria from Kenya under controversial circumstances.
The Federal Government accused him of treasonable felony, terrorism, and incitement, alleging that his broadcasts incited violence and led to attacks on security agencies in parts of the South-East.
Kanu and his lawyers, however, maintain that he is a victim of unlawful rendition and that his arrest and trial violate the principle of territorial sovereignty and international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.
In October 2022, the Court of Appeal in Abuja discharged and acquitted him of all charges, ruling that his extraordinary rendition was illegal and stripped the Federal High Court of jurisdiction to continue the trial.
The ruling was, however, stayed by the Supreme Court in December 2023, allowing the government to re-file charges – a move that has drawn widespread criticism from rights groups and international observers.
In recent weeks, there have been renewed peaceful protests in parts of Abuja, Enugu, and Owerri, demanding Kanu’s release and compliance with the Appeal Court judgment.
At one of such protests held on October, Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, described the continued detention as “an affront to justice and humanity.”
“The protest was not about ethnicity or politics,” Emmanuel said.
“It’s about justice. Nigerians from all walks of life came out because they know that if injustice can happen to one man, it can happen to anyone.”
The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now,” “Obey Court Orders,” and “Justice for One, Justice for All.”
Several rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), have also repeatedly urged the Nigerian Government to respect court orders and release Kanu unconditionally.
Fr. Odimmegwa argued that Kanu’s trial was fundamentally flawed, noting that he was charged under a repealed legislation – the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 – which no longer exists in law.
“He was charged under a dead law. You cannot revive a repealed law to persecute someone,” he said.
“The Court of Appeal discharged him, yet the DSS keeps him locked up in total disregard for that ruling. And now the Supreme Court has abandoned its own principle of finality – when a higher court says ‘discharged,’ that’s the end of the matter. But they bent the rules just to keep him trapped.”
Fr. Odimmegwa said Kanu’s rendition from Kenya in 2021 amounted to a “criminal abduction” and a gross violation of international law, warning that the failure of Nigerian authorities to respect the rule of law erodes public confidence in the justice system.
“According to the Appeal Court, no court in Nigeria can put MNK to trial because he was kidnapped from Kenya and brought forcefully to Nigeria. That amounts to gross violation of international law,” he stated.
The group listed several breaches in Kanu’s case, including lack of valid charge, denial of fair hearing, and double jeopardy, stressing that the government’s actions represent a wider threat to civil liberties in Nigeria.
“No valid charge exists. Fair hearing denied. Double jeopardy breached. The Supreme Court failed its own doctrine. International law is on his side,” the statement read.
“Justice cannot survive where the law is ignored. Freedom cannot breathe when truth is buried.”
Fr. Odimmegwa said the call for Kanu’s release was not an appeal for sympathy but a demand for justice and due process.
“We are not asking for favours — we are demanding justice under the law,” he said.
“If one man’s rights can be trampled, no one is safe. Justice for one is justice for all.
“A nation cannot claim to uphold democracy while it jails people in defiance of its own courts,” the priest said.
“The world is watching. Justice must prevail,” added.
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Easter: Nigeria Must Do Better, NGIJ Warns Amid Rising Insecurity
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has issued a strongly worded Easter message, condemning worsening insecurity and demanding urgent action from security chiefs. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
In a statement signed by its National President, Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild said Nigeria must confront its security failures without delay.
The Guild congratulated Christians across Nigeria and the world on the Easter celebration, noting that the season crowns weeks of sacrifice, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
It also acknowledged that Muslims recently concluded Ramadan and celebrated Eid al-Fitr, describing both religious observances as powerful symbols of discipline and devotion.
NGIJ said the overlapping spiritual journeys of Christians and Muslims highlight a shared national lesson on unity and peaceful coexistence.
However, the Guild warned that the current security reality contradicts those values, as many communities continue to live in utter dread.
It described the recent killings in Jos as a grim reminder of deep cracks within the nation’s security architecture pointing out that the violence goes beyond headlines, insisting that it reflects systemic failure.
NGIJ condemned the bloodshed in the strongest terms possible and criticised what it called the growing helplessness of authorities. It argued that routine condemnations and post-attack visits by the relevant authorities saddled with the responsibility of securing lives and properties no longer satisfy public expectations.
The statement stressed that repeated promises without visible results only deepen public frustration and grief.
NGIJ maintained that every Nigerian deserves safety at home, in places of worship, and in public spaces while stressing that government must treat that responsibility as a non-negotiable duty.
The Guild urged security chiefs to respond with urgency, intelligence, and clear results. It insisted that those unable to guarantee safety should step aside for more capable leadership.
NGIJ also clarified that its position reflects a moral duty rather than political bias while noting that Easter symbolises sacrifice, accountability, and renewal, adding that real change requires courage and action.
It warned Nigerians against yielding to fear or division despite the tense climate and encouraged citizens to protect unity and resist forces that thrive on chaos.
The Guild reaffirmed its commitment to investigative journalism, promising to pursue truth and hold power accountable. It also pledged to amplify the voices of victims often ignored in national discourse.
NGIJ concluded that hope must translate into action, urging the nation to confront its challenges with urgency.
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Legislative
NGIJ Targets Stronger Democracy Through Partnership with NILDS
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has sought a strategic partnership with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to enhance legislative reporting, strengthen democratic accountability, and promote evidence-based journalism in Nigeria. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The proposal was made during a courtesy visit by the NGIJ delegation, led by its President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, to the Institute’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar O. Suleiman, was represented at the meeting by the Director of Legal Services, Professor Ibrahim Danwanka. Also in attendance were the Special Adviser to the DG on Media, Mr. Muhammad Abdulkadir and the Director of Information, Mr. Emmanuel Atakpo.
Speaking during the visit, Aliagan described the engagement as a strategic step toward building synergy between investigative journalism and legislative research institutions. He commended the leadership of Professor Suleiman for transforming NILDS into a leading centre for legislative studies and democratic governance in Africa.
“This visit is not merely ceremonial—it is deeply strategic. NGIJ and NILDS share a common vision of strengthening democracy, promoting accountability, and deepening good governance in Nigeria,” Aliagan said.
He explained that while NILDS advances democratic governance through research and legislative capacity development, NGIJ complements these efforts through investigative journalism and public-interest reporting.
Aliagan highlighted the Guild’s activities across the country, particularly its Governance Assessment Visits conducted in Kogi, Bayelsa, Ondo, Kwara, Osun, and Kaduna states, noting that such engagements have improved public discourse and strengthened accountability at the subnational level.
“Our mission is to promote ethical investigative journalism, strengthen transparency in governance, and build capacity for data-driven reporting that connects citizens with democratic institutions,” he said.
The NGIJ President also proposed collaboration in areas such as training on legislative processes, joint research and publications, policy dialogues, data sharing, and fellowship programmes for journalists and researchers.
He further informed the Institute of the Guild’s plan to host the Dele Giwa Memorial Annual Lecture on Investigative Journalism in June as part of activities marking Democracy Day. The Guild requested that Professor Suleiman serve as keynote speaker and sought approval to use NILDS’ auditorium for the event.
“We are confident that your presence and intellectual contribution will greatly enrich the discourse and lend national significance to the event,” Aliagan added.
Responding on behalf of the Director-General, Professor Danwanka welcomed the proposal and described the initiative as timely and beneficial to national development. He commended NGIJ for its commitment to accountability journalism and its recognition of the Institute’s growing impact.
“If there is any institution journalists need to collaborate with, it is NILDS.
Legislative reporting requires specialised knowledge that many journalists currently lack,” Danwanka said.
He explained that NILDS was established by an Act of Parliament in 2011 and later expanded in 2017 to include broader responsibilities covering democratic institutions and civil society organisations.
According to him, the Institute has grown significantly under Professor Suleiman’s leadership, expanding from four departments to eleven, with increased staff strength and wider national, regional, and continental visibility.
Danwanka noted that NILDS currently provides research and capacity-building support not only to Nigeria’s legislature but also to parliaments across West Africa and other parts of the continent, including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ghana, and Togo.
“Legislature is a specialised field. Even experts from other disciplines must acquire knowledge of its processes to report it accurately. That is where NILDS comes in,” he said.
He assured the NGIJ delegation that all requests presented during the visit, including collaboration proposals, the use of the Institute’s facilities, and the invitation to the DG would be communicated for necessary action.
Danwanka also acknowledged NGIJ’s commendation of the appointment of Mr. Abdulkadir as Special Adviser on Media, describing the recognition as thoughtful and well-deserved.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing optimism about establishing a formal framework for collaboration, with a shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance through knowledge-driven journalism.
“This engagement marks the beginning of a sustainable partnership that will advance legislative excellence and investigative journalism in Nigeria,” Danwanka said.
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NGIJ urges unity, cautions politicians against divisive rhetoric ahead of 2027
The Nigeria Guild of Investigative Journalism (NGIJ) has called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence and warned political actors against exploiting religious and ethnic divisions as the country gradually approaches the 2027 general elections. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
In a statement issued on Friday to mark the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebration, and jointly signed by its National President, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild congratulated Muslim faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan.
The Guild noted that this year’s Ramadan coincided with the Christian Lenten season, describing the alignment as a “rare and powerful symbolism” that underscores shared values across faiths.
According to the statement, both periods called for reflection, sacrifice, discipline, and compassion, stressing that such common ideals should serve as a foundation for national unity.
“For weeks, across mosques and churches, Nigerians prayed, fasted, gave to the needy, and sought a better version of themselves. If we can endure hardship together in pursuit of spiritual growth, then we can certainly live together in peace,” the Guild said.
However, NGIJ expressed concern over rising tensions in the country, warning that differences are increasingly being weaponised, particularly along religious and ethnic lines.
The Guild emphasised that the lessons of Ramadan and Lent should not end with celebrations but must be reflected in citizens’ daily conduct, urging Nigerians to embrace patience, empathy, and truth in their interactions.
While addressing the political class, the organisation cautioned against early signs of divisive campaigning ahead of the 2027 elections, including the spread of misinformation and fear-based rhetoric.
“We are already seeing early signs of the familiar playbook, divisive rhetoric, calculated misinformation, and appeals to fear rather than reason. That path is dangerous and ultimately destructive,” the statement read.
NGIJ urged politicians, political parties, and aspirants to focus on issue-based campaigns, particularly on the economy, security, and governance, rather than resorting to identity politics.
It warned that power gained through division could undermine national stability, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford another election cycle that deepens societal fractures.
The Guild also reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and responsible journalism, pledging to continue challenging false narratives and exposing misinformation.
“A peaceful and informed society requires citizens who think critically and reject manipulation,” it added.
The statement concluded by describing Eid al-Fitr as not only a moment of celebration but also a test of collective responsibility, urging Nigerians to choose unity over division in the interest of national progress.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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