US Rights Groups Urge Review of Kanu’s Detention, Call for Dialogue!

US Rights Groups Urge Review of Kanu’s Detention, Call for Dialogue!

Reported by Marian opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Three United States‑based human rights and self‑determination advocacy organizations have publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s remarks linking the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) with Boko Haram and called for an immediate review of the detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. The groups also urged the Federal Government to engage in constructive dialogue with IPOB rather than resorting to inflammatory rhetoric.

Their Position & Demands

• In a joint statement, Advocates for Victims of Injustice and Discrimination (AVID), Rising Sun Foundation, and Ambassadors for Self‑Determination described Tinubu’s comparison of IPOB to Boko Haram as “reckless, prejudicial, and sub‑judice,” especially given that legal proceedings regarding IPOB’s classification and Kanu’s trial are still ongoing. [1]
• The groups called for the immediate review of Kanu’s detention status, citing violations of due process and international human rights norms. They criticized the continued incarceration of Kanu despite several court orders and international rulings favoring his release. [2]
• They also demanded that the government initiate dialogue with IPOB as part of a peaceful resolution process, emphasizing that de-escalation and engagement are preferable to further criminalization of dissent. [1]

Background & Context

• Kanu, the leader of IPOB, was arrested in 2021 after skipping bail in 2017. He has been held by the Directorate of State Services (DSS) and charged with terrorism-related offenses, which he strongly denies. [3]
• Over time, diaspora and domestic groups have persistently called for his release, citing multiple judicial rulings and a 2022 United Nations opinion that labeled some aspects of his detention arbitrary. [4]
• IPOB itself has rejected President Tinubu’s linking with Boko Haram and accused the government of unfairly stigmatizing the movement. [5]

Citations:

1. Al Jazirah News: aljazirahnews.com/u-s-rights-groups-flay-tinubu-over-ipob-boko-haram-comparison-demand-kanus-release/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. ThisDayLive: www.thisdaylive.com/2025/01/14/groups-urge-fg-to-obey-un-rights-convention-court-ruling-on-nnamdi-kanu/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. AP News: apnews.com/article/c9947bf6f1df48e611b98a4a9a648dcf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/08/nnamdi-kanu-igbo-diaspora-groups-petition-trump-over-detained-ipob-leader/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/ipob-rejects-tinubus-speech-linking-it-with-boko-haram/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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