ABUJA — Legal practitioner and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has strongly criticised the prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as a “failure in the dispensation of justice.”
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Sunrise Daily” on Monday, Okonkwo urged the federal government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and pursue a political resolution to the long-running case.
Okonkwo, an actor-turned-politician, argued that the justice system’s handling of the matter undermines its own credibility. He cited Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the presumption of innocence, stressing that the extended delay violates the principle of a speedy trial.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Okonkwo stated. “When it comes to the issue of crime, the Constitution is very clear that the accused or defendant should be judged within a reasonable time.”
He expressed dismay at the duration Kanu has been in custody while his case remains unresolved.
“A nation that detains a human being for more than seven years… and yet you couldn’t even reach a judgment as to the culpability of his crime is a nation that is failing in the dispensation of justice,” he said. “It is very unreasonable to keep a man in detention for almost seven years. What are you judging?”
Okonkwo contended that the legal processes had been “abused” in Kanu’s case.
“Nobody remains sane to be in jail for more than seven years while a case is being tried,” he added. “People are frustrated, people believe that if you do not find anything against this man, release him or reach a political solution.”
Nnamdi Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in June 2021. Okonkwo’s appeal joins those of other public figures, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and activist Omoyele Sowore, who have also advocated for Kanu’s release.
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