The Unraveling of Justice in Nigeria
A recent protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), took place in Abuja and several other cities. This event has sparked a national debate about the nature of justice, the role of the law, and the moral compass of the country.
Nnamdi Kanu is currently on trial for charges including treason, terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms. These are serious allegations that suggest the state views him as a threat to national security. However, the protesters who gathered in support of Kanu do not see him as an enemy of the nation. Instead, they portray him as a saint and a victim of political persecution, claiming he has no case to answer.
This perspective is not without controversy. Some of Kanu’s lawyers have been seen participating in the protests, which raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. Despite the fact that the matter is still pending before a competent court of law, these legal professionals have chosen to take a public stance rather than focus on their professional obligations.
The charges against Kanu are not baseless. They are rooted in actions that have had real consequences. Through his Radio Biafra broadcasts, Kanu has been accused of inciting violence and contributing to the destruction of lives and property in Ala Igbo and beyond. These claims are difficult to ignore, especially given the widespread impact of his rhetoric.
It is not surprising that some people are calling for Kanu’s release. In Nigeria, we have witnessed similar scenarios where citizens rally behind corrupt politicians facing charges related to embezzlement. This phenomenon is often influenced by tribal and religious affiliations, leading to a distorted view of justice. As a result, many Nigerians seem to be living in a state of denial, where the actions of individuals are judged more by their background than by their deeds.
The protest was led by a Yoruba man, but the majority of those supporting him are from Kanu’s own ethnic group. This highlights the deep-seated divisions within the country and the tendency to prioritize loyalty over justice. It also underscores the fact that Kanu’s actions have had a significant impact on the South-Eastern region, which once thrived in peace and prosperity.
There is a common tendency among some Nigerians to compare their country with Europe or America, suggesting that such issues could not happen in “sane” countries. However, this is not entirely accurate. For instance, in 2022, a UK-based Nigerian named Adeyinka Shoyemi was sentenced to four years in prison for inciting violence and issuing ethnic hate messages against Igbos through social media. Even in a country known for its strong free speech protections, the law drew a clear line between liberty and extremism.
Another example is Simon Ekpa in Finland, who was arrested and sentenced to six years in prison for terrorism. No protests were held in Finland demanding his release, and the government’s actions were not questioned. This contrast illustrates the difference between a society where the law prevails and one where it is often ignored or manipulated.
In Nigeria, there is a troubling pattern of celebrating lawbreakers and turning them into heroes. This selective morality has eroded the nation’s conscience, leading to a culture where the loudest voice often wins public sympathy, regardless of the validity of the argument. When individuals break the law, they often hide behind the cloak of ethnicity, religion, or political persecution, which can turn public opinion in their favor.
One of the arguments used by the organizers of the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest is the recent presidential pardon granted to some convicted criminals, including capital offenders. While this decision has sparked public outrage, it cannot serve as a justification for demanding the release of a suspect still standing trial. Such comparisons only highlight the moral confusion that exists in the country today.
The lawyers representing Kanu have also come under scrutiny. By taking to the streets instead of focusing on proving his innocence in court, they have undermined the profession they swore to uphold. Their actions have drawn criticism, with some joking that they are from Temu, a popular e-commerce platform. This situation raises concerns about their commitment to their clients and the legal process.
The courtroom drama surrounding Kanu’s trial has been ongoing, with the prosecution accusing the defense of employing delay tactics. The defense has entered a no-case submission, which the court has overruled, insisting that Kanu has a case to answer. This has led to a series of dramatic developments, with Kanu becoming more of a courtroom celebrity than an accused person.
Kanu’s situation reflects the broader challenges facing Nigeria. The country is grappling with a lack of accountability and a distorted sense of justice. As screenwriter Joy Isi Bewaji once noted, the problem is not that there are no bad people in Nigeria, but that there are no consequences for bad actions. This sentiment resonates deeply in the current climate.
The ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ protest could not have happened in a sane clime. No country moves forward without the rule of law in full force. Until Nigeria returns to a state where the law reigns supreme and justice is blind to tribe or tongue, its democracy will remain fragile, and its peace will remain temporary.
In conclusion, the trial of Nnamdi Kanu is not just a legal matter; it is a reflection of the broader societal issues that plague the nation. The release of Kanu should not be decided by the streets but by the courts. Anything short of that is an invitation to anarchy, and no nation survives long on that path.
