By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has, again, raised the alarm over the deteriorating health condition of its Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is in the custody of the Directorate of State Security (DSS).

It demanded the unconditional release of Kanu on the grounds of a court order to enable him get proper medical examination and treatment.

The demand which was contained in a statement by IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, expressed worry over the deteriorating health of Kanu.

The statement partly reads: “Information we received yesterday, Thursday, 13th of April 2023, from one of our lawyers who visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is distressing.

“According to the report, Mazi Nnamdi Kani is physically exhausted and vomiting due to the torturous DSS solitary confinement.

“We should recall that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has a medical condition that DSS has not been able to treat, yet they have refused him access to his personal doctors and specialists.

“The physical exhaustion of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is connected to his untreated medical condition and complications emanating from injuries he sustained from torture, lack of proper nutrition, and lack of medication in solitary confinement for almost two years. We are demanding his immediate and unconditional release to enable him to attend to his failing health.

“The International Community, Nigerians, and friends of Biafra should recall that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is being persecuted by the Nigeria government while there are no charges against him. As it is today, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is being detained illegally while the Nigeria government is colluding with the Supreme Court of Nigeria to kill him through torture in DSS solitary confinement.”

IPOB expressed sadness that the Supreme has “criminally maintained silence while court orders are abused and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s human right grossly violated.”

It added: “Today, we are calling and crying for the release of our leader. The government of Nigeria and all authorities therein are remaining adamant.

“We peacefully protested for the release of our leader, and murderous Nigeria Security Forces massacred our people in cold blood in Aba, Abia State. If anything bad happens to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in DSS custody, these peaceful approaches will become a “tit for tat”.

“Those involved in torturing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, using the instrument of injustice and coercion will not break his resolve nor IPOB's resolve to demand for Biafra Independence; not now, not tomorrow, and forever. The Nigeria government and her supporters should understand that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a living legend that Biafrans will not trade for anything in this world.”

IPOB urged the federal government to release Kanu unconditionally as the courts have ordered, to avoid dooms day, saying that “a stitch in time saves nine”.