HELSINKI, Finland — Concerns surrounding the health of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, intensified on Saturday, August 12, 2023, as Simon Ekpa, a staunch Biafra agitator and instigator behind the violent sit-at-home regime, claimed that Kanu’s condition was critical.
Kanu has been in Nigeria’s Department of State Services, DSS, custody since his arrest in Kenya in June 2021.
He was subsequently extradited to Nigeria to stand trial for treasonable felony. However, last year, the Court of Appeal cleared Kanu of terrorism and treasonable felony charges, yet he remains detained.
Ekpa, describing himself as a disciple of Kanu, took to Twitter on Saturday, August 12, 2023, to express grave concerns about the separatist leader’s deteriorating health, insinuating dire consequences if Kanu’s health leads to a tragic outcome.
BRGIE @BiafraRGIE BREAKING
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu doctors flee from Nigeria as the health deteriorate.
I call on Biafrans to stand very strong and pray for our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu while we intensify our efforts in the coming weeks.
In the coming days, Ejiofor and his DSS will…— Simon Ekpa (@simon_ekpa) August 12, 2023
“BRGIE @BiafraRGIE BREAKING, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is very sick and may die in DSS if nothing is done or not released soon. I wish to inform Biafrans that Onyendu is very sick right now. He is in the worst state ever. If MNK dies in DSS let them know that none of those involved in this crime will be free,” Ekpa tweeted.
The revelation, if confirmed, is likely to escalate tensions and draw international attention to Kanu’s prolonged detention and the Nigerian government’s treatment of its detainees.
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Ekpa’s warning is explicit in its caution of retribution, underscoring the potential volatility of the situation and the charged emotions surrounding the pro-Biafra movement.
The Nigerian government and the DSS have yet to respond to these recent claims.
Given the appellate court’s decision last year, Kanu’s continued detention has been a point of contention, with many questioning the government’s commitment to the rule of law and due process.
The recent alarm about his health may reignite the debate over the handling of IPOB activists and Nigeria’s broader approach to political dissent.
