By Muhammad Mamman
A coalition of Northern Nigerian youths has warned that the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s unity.
The group, operating under the banner of the Arewa Take-It-Back Movement (ATIB), has called for Kanu’s immediate release, urging the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) to respect the rule of law.
In a statement signed by ATIB’s lead coordinator, Nazif Bashi, the group declared full support for the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja, led by activist Omoyele Sowore.
Bashi emphasised that their decision followed careful reflection on the wider national implications of Kanu’s continued incarceration, noting that the issue goes beyond regional identity.
“This is not an Igbo issue; it is a national crisis that endangers every Nigerian’s liberty,” Bashi said. “The injustice faced by Mazi Kanu mirrors the silencing of citizens in Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, and Borno. The Cybercrimes Act is increasingly being misused to stifle dissent.”
He condemned any suppression of peaceful protesters by security operatives and urged authorities to honour court rulings and uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly.
Bashi also praised Sowore and the Take-It-Back Movement for spearheading a peaceful and united campaign for justice, accountability, and constitutional order.
According to him, the protest is a moral duty and a call to action for President Bola Tinubu and relevant government agencies to ensure Kanu is released, granted proper medical care, and treated in accordance with the law.
