Igbo Ministers tasks FG, Britain on Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom

By Chijindu Emeruwa

Christian clerics from Igbo ethnic-nationality, under the auspices of Concerned Igbo Ministers, have called for the unconditional release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by the federal government of Nigeria and United Kingdom.

The Igbo ministers also urged Nigerian and British governments to listen and heed to Onyendu Nnandi Kanu’s demand for referendum and cease

The call for Kanu’s release by the Igbo christian clerics was contained in a statement signed by Rev. Tony Uzor Anthony, and made available to newsmen on Monday.

Recall that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court had in November 20, 2025, sentenced the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on seven counts related to terrorism, broadcasts, and sit-at-home orders.

Kanu and his family rejected the verdict, labeling it predetermined, and instructed his legal team—led by counsel such as Alloy Ejimakor—to pursue an appeal.

The IPOB leader is detained at Sokoto Prison in northern Nigeria, where his legal representatives have reported he remains in stable condition as they press forward with higher court challenges.

However, Concerned Igbo Ministers, in the statement urged Nigerian government and British authorities countries to cease the policy of connivance that had kept Onyendu Nnandi Kanu bound.

The statement read in full: “The gathered religious leaders of the South East note with solemn attention the unfolding crisis in the United Kingdom — reports of constituent nations preparing to demand referendums on separation, and the deepening spiritual and civic disorder now visible in that land.

“We declare that these events are not chance. They are the outworking of the prophetic word and the spiritual authority of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. What Britain now feels is the weight of the curses laid upon her for persisting in alliance with the Nigerian state to keep an innocent man confined in the heart of the Caliphate.

“Nigeria and Britain have become as Pharaoh of old, who hardened his heart and refused to let the people go. They have treated the demand for a referendum as rebellion rather than as a just cry for freedom. Until Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is released, both nations will continue to convulse in their pains.

“Onyendu is as the Ark of the Covenant that the enemies of Israel carried into the house of their god in mockery. The Lord broke the idol and brought down the temple. So shall it be. His incarceration is not the silencing of a man; it is the holding of a living covenant. That holding will not leave Nigeria or Britain unshaken.

“We therefore call on the governments of Nigeria and the United Kingdom:

“Release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu without further delay.

“Hear his demand for a referendum.

“Cease the policy of connivance that has kept him bound.

“If they refuse, let them remember that the wrath that now touches Britain will not spare Nigeria. The year ahead will not be merciful to those who continue to detain the man whom God has raised.

“Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not a private prisoner. He is a sign. Those who hold him hold fire.

“We stand in prayer and in public witness until justice is done and the captive is set free.”