Umuahia Traditional Rulers Reject Judgment, Declare Kanu Their Crown Prince, Not a Terrorist

Traditional rulers and custodians of the ancient kingdom of Umuahia North LGA in Abia State have reacted to the life imprisonment sentence handed down to their son, Nnamdi Kanu, by Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Federal High Court.

In a statement released to journalists on Friday, the monarchs described Kanu as their illustrious son and Crown Prince, insisting that he is not a terrorist as declared by the court. They maintained that he is a freedom fighter who has consistently spoken against the injustice and marginalization of his people.

The statement, signed by Eze Innocent Adiele Nwaigwe, Chairman of the Umuahia North Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Chiabuotu Emelike, Secretary, as well as Eze Nzenwata Mbakwe and Eze Eddy Ibeabuchi, read:

“For over a decade, our son has stood before the courts of this nation, enduring trials, detentions, and unimaginable hardships. The recent judgment, though deeply painful to us as fathers and leaders, does not erase what we know in truth: that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not a terrorist. He is a freedom fighter who has consistently spoken out against injustice and the marginalization of his people.”

The monarchs reiterated their belief in Kanu’s innocence and emphasized that the court’s decision does not diminish his spirit or the hope of millions who believe in justice and the rule of law. “Justice delayed may be painful, but justice denied cannot stand forever,” they said.

They also highlighted that Kanu retains the legal and constitutional right to appeal the judgment all the way to the Supreme Court. Additionally, the traditional rulers renewed their appeal to President Bola Tinubu to exercise the prerogative of mercy by granting a presidential pardon to the IPOB leader.

Acknowledging the pain felt by youths in Umuahia North over the verdict, the monarchs called for peace, restraint, and calm, urging them not to take the law into their own hands.