Special counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Aloy Ejimakor, has warned the Federal Government that imprisoning popular leaders could create more problems than it solves.
Ejimakor issued the warning on Tuesday while renewing his call for the release of Kanu, who is serving a life sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges.
The constitutional lawyer, in a post on X, referenced the historical imprisonment of Nigerian nationalist leader Obafemi Awolowo and South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela.
According to him, the experiences of both men demonstrated that imprisoning popular leaders could have far-reaching political consequences for governments.
“On this #XTuesday for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, let the government be reminded that the imprisonment of a popular leader never did any good for the government,” Ejimakor wrote.
He added that such action “brought more problems than it solved,” while using the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanu in his renewed appeal for Kanu’s release.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025, after being convicted on seven counts relating to terrorism and other offences.
Justice James Omotosho sentenced him to life imprisonment on counts one, four, five and six, while he received 20 years on count three and five years on count seven. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.
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