The youth wing of the Igbo socio political organisation, Ohanaeze Youth Council, has called on international embassies to intervene in the prolonged detention of the leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
This was contained in an open letter by the Ohanaeze youths to the Israeli, Russian, Canadian, French, US, and UK embassies in Abuja.
In the letter signed by its National President, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, the group urged the missions to send international observers to monitor the planned #FreeNnamdiKanu Peaceful Protest March to the Presidential Villa on Monday, October 20, 2025.
The group condemned what it described as the “persistent unlawful detention” of Kanu, despite multiple court judgments ordering his release.
“His continued incarceration constitutes a grave violation of human rights, the rule of law, and international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory,” the OYC said.
According to the group, the October protest will be a coordinated demonstration led by pro-democracy activist, Omoyele Sowore, civil society groups, and youth movements to demand the unconditional release of Kanu.
The IPOB leader has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) despite several court rulings ordering his release.
Over the years, his continued detention has sparked debates about judicial disobedience, human rights violations, and the shrinking space for free expression in Nigeria.
Human rights advocates have repeatedly urged the Federal Government to comply with court judgments, while many Igbo leaders have appealed for a peaceful resolution to the matter.
Joining the call for international attention, the OYC said the October protest represents a peaceful effort to draw the world’s attention to the situation.
However, the group expressed concern about threats from security agencies, insisting that it is vital for foreign missions to monitor the planned march to Aso Rock to prevent violence or intimidation against demonstrators.
“We appeal to you to send international observers to monitor the October 20 peaceful protest march to Aso Rock to see for yourselves the comportment of protesters and possible intimidation and harassment by Nigerian security agents,” the letter stated.
“The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), therefore, appeals for your diplomatic observation/monitoring and moral support to ensure that this peaceful march is not met with violence, intimidation, or state repression.”
The group urged the foreign missions to “mount international pressure” on the Nigerian government to comply with both domestic and international court rulings that have ordered Kanu’s release.
“History will record the voices that stood on the side of justice, peace, and human dignity,” Igboayaka declared.
“We trust your missions will act in alignment with democratic values and the universal principles of freedom and self-determination.”
The OYC maintained that the October 20 protest will be a non-violent march for justice, emphasizing that any acts of aggression would likely come from security operatives rather than participants.
