The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the recent ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which upheld the Nigerian Medical Association’s assessment that IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is fit to stand trial.
Describing the judgment as a “judicial robbery” and an act of political persecution, the NationaHURIWA accused the Federal Government, via the Presidency and the Attorney-General’s Office, of orchestrating a campaign to destabilize the South East.
HURIWA questioned the constitution of an NMA panel to assess Kanu’s health, arguing that no other politically exposed individual has faced such scrutiny before being allowed medical treatment abroad.
The association cited cases including former governors Darius Ishaku, Rochas Okorocha, and Col. Sambo Dasuki, who were granted overseas medical leave without government-controlled medical verification.
“Selective justice is evident when those accused of corruption or linked to violent groups can travel for treatment, while Kanu remains detained under a politically orchestrated pretext,” HURIWA said.
The group also accused presidential aide Bayo Onanuga of openly interfering with judicial matters, arguing that the judge’s ruling appeared to align with executive directives rather than the law. HURIWA warned that this selective treatment fuels ethnic resentment and threatens national unity.
In a related statement, HURIWA condemned the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for discouraging peaceful protests over Kanu’s detention, calling it “shameful, irresponsible, and sycophantic.” The rights body emphasized that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental democratic liberty that should not be suppressed.
HURIWA reiterated its demand for Kanu’s unconditional release, describing his continued detention as collective punishment against the Igbo people and a threat to the nation’s democracy.
