Amanze Chinonye
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the recent ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which upheld the report of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) declaring the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, medically fit to stand trial.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, HURIWA described the ruling as a “travesty of justice and an orchestrated political persecution,” accusing the Federal Government of using the judiciary to advance a political agenda against the South East.
The group questioned the constitution of an NMA panel to assess Kanu’s health, calling it discriminatory and unprecedented in Nigeria’s judicial process. According to HURIWA, no other politically exposed defendant had been subjected to such government-controlled medical verification before being granted leave to seek treatment abroad.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe association argued that the decision violated Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of ethnicity or circumstance.
HURIWA cited several cases where courts had permitted defendants to travel abroad for medical attention without any official medical panel, including former governors Darius Ishaku, Rochas Okorocha, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Ikedi Ohakim, and Saminu Turaki, as well as former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).
“When former governors accused of looting billions can easily obtain medical leave without any government medical examination, it becomes clear that what happened to Nnamdi Kanu is pure discrimination and political witch-hunt,” the group stated.
HURIWA further alleged that the ruling was influenced by political considerations, referencing a recent statement by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, who said Kanu should remain in detention and “get what he deserves.” The group said the remark reflected “executive interference in judicial matters” and accused Justice Omotosho of delivering a judgment that mirrored the Presidency’s position.
The rights group said the decision reinforced suspicions that the Tinubu administration, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, is bent on keeping the South East politically unstable by prolonging Kanu’s detention despite widespread calls for his release.
It also cited what it described as double standards in the justice system, noting that while Miyetti Allah leader Bello Bodejo was recently released from DSS custody, Kanu remains detained despite several court orders in his favour. HURIWA described this as “ethnic bias taken too far,” saying it undermines national unity and fuels resentment.
The association urged Justice Omotosho to review his decision in line with constitutional fairness and the principle of equality before the law.
In a related development, HURIWA also faulted the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for warning Nigerians against staging peaceful protests over Kanu’s continued detention. The group called the NBA’s stance “shameful, irresponsible, and unworthy of a professional body that claims to defend human rights.”
HURIWA criticized the NBA leadership under Afam Osigwe (SAN), saying the association had become “a sycophantic mouthpiece of the Federal Government.” It urged Osigwe to disown the statement if it did not originate from him.
According to the group, the right to peaceful assembly and protest is a constitutional liberty and not a privilege determined by those in power.
“It is an abomination for a lawyers’ association to be the one gagging citizens from expressing dissent. This is cowardice in its worst form,” the group declared.
HURIWA restated its demand for Kanu’s unconditional release, arguing that his continued detention amounts to collective punishment against the Igbo people. The group said peace and unity in Nigeria cannot be achieved on the foundation of injustice and selective application of the law.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
