The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest in Abuja, calling for the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The faction led by NANS National President, Comrade Atiku Isah (GCNS), decried what it described as “injustice” over Kanu’s continued detention despite several court rulings granting him bail.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. We cannot understand why Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is still in detention when courts of competent jurisdiction have granted him bail before,” Isah told reporters during the protest.
He accused the government of double standards, noting that while armed groups were being engaged in dialogue, Kanu remained in custody.
“A few weeks ago, bandits displaying dangerous weapons sat with government representatives to negotiate peace after killing many and destroying property. Yet, Mazi Kanu, who only spoke up for his people, is being treated like a criminal,” he said.
The student body stressed that freedom of expression was a fundamental right and vowed to continue protests until Kanu is released.
“As Nigerians, it is our right to speak up when aggrieved. NANS will always resist injustice because an injury to one is an injury to all,” Isah added.
Marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, NANS urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter in the interest of peace and unity.
The protest, which ended peacefully, saw students reiterate their commitment to sustaining pressure until Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021, is freed.