Best-selling author Frederick Forsyth has called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kanu is currently being held in detention in Nigeria on charges of treason and treasonable felony.
Forsyth, who is known for his novels about terrorism and political intrigue, said that Kanu’s detention is “a gross injustice” and that he should be released immediately.
“Kanu is a political prisoner,” Forsyth said in a statement. “He has not been charged with any crime that warrants his detention. He is being held because he is a thorn in the side of the Nigerian government.”
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Forsyth also criticized the Nigerian government’s treatment of Kanu. He said that Kanu has been denied access to his lawyers and family, and that he has been subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
“Bring Nnamdi Kanu home to Britain. He is now and has been for many years a British citizen, his family home is in South London, and that, as for all of us, accords certain rights and protections, Forsyth said. “Nnamdi Kanu, a British national, is being held in Nigeria and his family says he is in failing health”.
The Nigerian government has defended its treatment of Kanu, saying that he is being held in accordance with the law. However, the government’s critics say that the charges against Kanu are politically motivated and that he is being held as a political prisoner.
It remains to be seen whether Forsyth’s call for Kanu’s release will have any impact on the Nigerian government’s position. However, the statement is a significant intervention by a respected international figure, and it could help to put pressure on the Nigerian government to release Kanu.