By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Umuahia, Abia State |The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a leading human rights and pro-democracy organization in Nigeria’s Southeast, has thrown its weight behind the upcoming rally in Abuja spearheaded by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement issued by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD, the organization described the rally as “both timely and necessary,” emphasizing that Mazi Kanu’s continued detention despite multiple court rulings in his favor represents a clear affront to judicial authority and the rule of law.
“The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in defiance of the law, sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the credibility of our judicial system. No true democracy can thrive where court orders are treated with disdain,” FENRAD stated.
According to the group, FENRAD has held discussions with several Southeast leaders, including governors, members of the National Assembly, and the Abia State House of Assembly, to encourage lawful engagement with federal authorities. It commended Hon. Obinna Agwuocha of the House of Representatives and members of the Abia State legislature for their willingness to seek redress through legal channels.
However, FENRAD maintained that dialogue alone is insufficient, urging for “coordinated, collective action” across Nigeria to demand adherence to constitutional and human rights principles. The organization praised Sowore’s “courage and consistency” and encouraged civil society groups, lawmakers, and all Nigerians who believe in justice to join the rally in Abuja as a demonstration of national unity.
FENRAD’s Key Demands
- Immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
- Full respect for judicial authority and adherence to court rulings.
- An end to the political persecution of citizens engaging in peaceful advocacy.
The group further announced that it is mobilizing its members and partner organizations nationwide to participate in the rally, urging Southeast political leaders to either attend in person or publicly declare their support.
“This is a critical moment. Justice must not be delayed further. No one is free until we are all free,” the statement concluded.
Newspot Nigeria reports that FENRAD has consistently advocated for the rule of law, environmental justice, and democratic freedoms across Nigeria, and its latest statement signals renewed regional pressure on the federal government to comply with court directives regarding Kanu’s detention.
ORIGINAL STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2025 | Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
FENRAD Backs Sowore-Led Rally in Abuja, Renews Call for Immediate Release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a frontline human rights and pro-democracy organization based in the Southeast, has announced its support for the planned Abuja rally led by renowned Human Rights Activist Omoyele Sowore calling for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
As part of our long-standing commitment to the promotion of civil liberties, justice, and the rule of law, FENRAD views this rally as both timely and necessary, given the continued detention of Mazi Kanu despite multiple court orders in his favour and mounting national and international pressure.
We align with all democratic voices demanding that the Nigerian government respect its own judiciary and adhere to its obligations under the Nigerian Constitution and relevant international human rights protocols.
FENRAD Declares:
The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in defiance of the law, sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the credibility of our judicial system. No true democracy can thrive where court orders are treated with disdain.
Having engaged with several Southeast political leaders—including South East Governors, National Assembly members and Abia State House of Assembly—FENRAD welcomes all lawful efforts aimed at resolving this impasse, but emphasizes that public action, unity of purpose, and moral courage are now urgently required.
We particularly commend the encouraging response from Hon. Obinna Agwuocha of the House of Representatives and the stated intention of members of the Abia State House of Assembly to approach the Attorney General of the Federation in pursuit of lawful redress. These efforts, though commendable, must now move beyond dialogue to coordinated, collective action.
FENRAD strongly believes that the time for hesitation has passed. If leaders of conscience across Nigeria truly believe in the values of democracy, equity, and justice, then this is the moment to act—boldly and publicly.
We commend the courage and consistency of Mr. Omoyele Sowore, and call on other human rights defenders, lawmakers, civil society actors, and well-meaning Nigerians to join this peaceful rally in Abuja as a demonstration of national unity in defense of justice.
FENRAD Demands:
- Immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
- Respect for judicial authority and adherence to court rulings.
- A stop to the political persecution of individuals exercising legitimate rights to self-expression and peaceful advocacy.
Rally Participation:
FENRAD is mobilizing its members and partner organizations to join the Abuja rally in solidarity, and calls on Southeast leaders to either physically participate or publicly support the initiative.
This is a critical moment. Justice must not be delayed further. No one is free until we are all free.
Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Web: www.fenrad.org.ng
📞 Phone: +234-8033383708, 07062949232
#FreeNnamdiKanuNow | #JusticeForKanu | #FENRADStandsForJustice | #RuleOfLaw | #SoworeSolidarityRally
