Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka recently criticized the Nigerian government for detaining Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In an interview with Noble Nigeria, Soyinka emphasized that Kanu has the right to advocate for an independent Biafra, noting that Kanu has not been accused of any acts of physical violence, such as bombing or killing.
Kanu was forcibly brought back to Nigeria from Nairobi in June 2021 through an extraordinary rendition carried out by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, with assistance from the Kenyan government.
Since his return, Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services and faces charges related to broadcasts that allegedly promoted terrorism.
Soyinka condemned the Nigerian government’s actions, labeling them as “kidnapping.” He argued that it is a mistake to keep Kanu imprisoned, asserting that Buhari had a penchant for such extrajudicial tactics.
Soyinka remarked, “It is a mistake keeping Nnamdi Kanu in prison, I believe. In fact, they kidnapped him.”
He acknowledged that Kanu’s rhetoric was indeed inciteful but maintained that kidnapping is not a justified response. Soyinka criticized Buhari’s administration for frequently resorting to such measures, suggesting it was a hallmark of Buhari’s governance style to detain individuals in such a manner.
Soyinka elaborated, “His language was inciteful, yes, no question about that. But you don’t arrest, you don’t kidnap people. Buhari had an obsession with kidnapping people. That seemed to be his trademark. It is like he couldn’t fulfil himself unless he’s put somebody in a crate and brought them back.”
Soyinka further contended that if there are legitimate charges against Kanu, the government should proceed with a fair trial rather than engaging in continual delays and procedural hindrances.
He concluded that such tactics are counterproductive, saying, “I think that politically speaking, if they have any real charges against him, well, since he is in their hands, they should try him. All these technical postponements, delays, and avoiding the basic issues, for me, is counter-productive.”
