The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government concerning alleged plans to execute detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The rights organization cautioned that such action could spark massive unrest across Nigeria's Southeast region and intensify the country's existing security challenges.
Alleged Executive Pressure on Judiciary
In a statement released on November 7, 2025, and signed by National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA expressed deep concern over media reports suggesting the executive arm of government might be pressuring the Federal High Court to impose a death sentence on Kanu. The group described this alleged scheme as "a brutal extra-constitutional measure" that would violate both Nigerian law and international human rights standards.
HURIWA emphasized that punishing Kanu merely for expressing opinions or peacefully advocating for self-determination would constitute a clear breach of constitutional protections and international human rights conventions. The organization specifically referenced the International Covenant on Human and Peoples' Rights, which safeguards the right to legal self-determination.
Constitutional Rights Under Threat
The rights group raised serious concerns about ongoing restrictions placed on Kanu by the Department of State Services (DSS), arguing these limitations violate Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution. This constitutional provision guarantees every accused person the right to a fair hearing and presumes innocence until proven guilty.
HURIWA urgently called on the Federal High Court in Abuja to ensure the DSS does not obstruct Kanu's ability to mount a proper legal defense. "The defendant, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, must never be denied his right to vigorously defend himself from the allegations brought before the court of law against his person by the Federal Government," Onwubiko stated firmly.
Family Allegations and International Appeal
In a separate statement, Kanu's family, through his brother Prince Emmanuel Kanu, accused the DSS of systematically preventing the IPOB leader from preparing his legal defense. The family claimed the secret police has blocked Kanu's access to his lawyers, potential witnesses, and essential case materials.
The family alleged that the DSS has refused to allow Kanu to file court documents and denied him access to basic equipment like computers and printers necessary for his defense preparation. They further accused the service of illegally recording meetings between Kanu and his legal team instead of permitting private discussions as required by law.
Due to these restrictions, the family warned that Kanu might be unable to appear in court, not out of defiance but because the DSS has made adequate trial preparation impossible. Both the family and HURIWA have appealed to the international community to intervene and pressure Nigeria to respect Kanu's fundamental right to a fair hearing.
HURIWA reminded the Federal Government that using state power to silence dissenting voices contradicts democratic principles and could severely undermine public trust in the justice system. The organization called on the DSS Director-General to demonstrate commitment to the rule of law by ending what it termed "illegal practices" that deny Kanu his constitutionally guaranteed rights.
"We appeal to the Director-General of the Department of State Services to continue to demonstrate his willingness to adhere strictly to the principles of the rule of law. The judiciary must remain independent and resist any form of interference that seeks to predetermine the outcome of Kanu's trial," Onwubiko concluded.
