FENRAD Urges South-East Leaders to Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release Over Worsening Health

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has called on South-East governors and federal lawmakers from the region to urgently intervene in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, citing concerns over his deteriorating health in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a statement issued on Thursday, the group appealed to South-East leaders to make a passionate plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Kanu’s release, warning that any delay could come at a “huge cost.”

This call comes just ahead of Friday’s ruling on Kanu’s no-case submission in the terrorism trial filed against him by the Federal Government.

The Executive Director of FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, stressed that the life and well-being of every Nigerian citizen must be protected under the law, regardless of political or ideological differences.

“His right to life and health must be respected. Reports from DSS custody indicate that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s health has significantly worsened, raising fears of a possible medical emergency if urgent action is not taken,” the statement read.


FENRAD warned that medical neglect could put Kanu’s life at risk, reminding the government of its moral and constitutional duty to ensure his safety while in custody.

The group urged the five South-East governors and federal lawmakers to set aside political differences and take bold steps toward securing Kanu’s release on health and humanitarian grounds. It further reminded the government of previous court orders granting Kanu bail, which are yet to be enforced.

Calling directly on President Tinubu, FENRAD appealed for statesmanship, urging him to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and relevant judicial authorities to review Kanu’s case.

“President Tinubu has a golden opportunity to demonstrate commitment to national healing, unity, and justice. Releasing Kanu under strict legal conditions would not only reduce tensions in the South-East but also pave the way for peace and dialogue,” it added.


The group also cautioned South-East legislators against silence, warning that inaction could be interpreted as complicity. It stressed that true representation requires defending the rights and welfare of constituents, even in politically sensitive matters.

Court to rule on Nnamdi Kanu’s ‘no-case’ submission September 26.

Federal High Court, Abuja has slated Friday, the 26th of September, 2025 for the determination of application filed by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on the no-case submission in his case with the federal government.

The ruling was previously scheduled for October 10.

One of the Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, made this known in a post on his X handle on Monday.

“The scheduled ruling on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s no-case submission has been abridged from 10th October 2025 toFriday, 26th September 2025,” he wrote.

The IPOB leader is currently facing trial for terrorism due to his push for the actualization of Biafra.

Notification about the slated hearing stating that if either party desires to postpone the hearing he must apply to the Court as soon as possible for that purpose.

It, however, added that such application if based on any matter of fact, must be backed up with proof of facts.

His Conviction Is His Burden — IPOB Distances Itself From Simon Ekpa After Terrorism Jail Term.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reiterated that it has no ties to Simon Ekpa, following his conviction for terrorism-related offences in Finland.

On Monday, the Päijät-Häme District Court sentenced Ekpa to six years in prison after finding him guilty of inciting terrorism and participating in the activities of a terrorist group. The court held that between August 2021 and November 2024, he exploited his large social media following to fuel unrest in Nigeria’s South-East.

In a statement, IPOB spokesperson, Emmanuel Powerful, noted that Ekpa had already disowned IPOB in court, describing himself as a “content creator.”

He stressed that Ekpa never held any role in IPOB or its armed wing, ESN, but instead formed his own “contraptions” — the Biafra Government in Exile, Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), and Biafra Defence Force (BDF) all of which IPOB has rejected.

“Simon Ekpa’s conviction is his burden and his alone. IPOB will never carry it,” the statement read, adding that any attempt to link IPOB to his downfall was “deliberate misinformation.”

Powerful also cautioned against using Ekpa’s sentencing to influence proceedings on the no-case submission filed by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu at the Federal High Court in Abuja.