A group of Igbo leaders has spoken out against the Nigerian government for still keeping Nnamdi Kanu in detention, even though former Boko Haram terrorists are being accepted back into society. They believe it is unjust to punish a man fighting for his people while forgiving those who caused great harm.

The leaders criticized the government for allegedly giving huge sums of money to armed bandits to keep peace. They said this move could make the government weaker and put the country’s security at risk.

In a statement released on Monday, the group asked the government to immediately and unconditionally free Kanu. They described his four-year detention as unfair since he only asked for freedom for himself and the Igbo people.

According to them, the government should treat Kanu the same way they are treating Boko Haram members. They argued that Boko Haram took up arms and killed innocent people, while Kanu never started any war.

The statement was signed by several group leaders including Ben Nwankwo and Evans Nwankwo of Ambassadors for Self-Determination USA, Sylvester Onyia of AVID, Maxwell Dede of Rising Sun Group, and Father Odimegwa.

They said it was a clear case of double standards that Boko Haram fighters are being rehabilitated and allowed back into the community, while Kanu is kept in prison for demanding freedom.

The group also accused the government of giving money to bandits as a way to stop violence, which they say weakens the country’s authority and endangers everyone’s safety.

They said Kanu is a brave man who only stood up for his rights and for his people’s right to self-rule. They described his continued detention as a serious injustice.

They added that many people across the world are angry about Kanu’s imprisonment. They urged the global community to pay attention and speak out.

They also praised international bodies for criticizing Kenya over its role in Kanu’s arrest. However, they insisted that those in Nigeria and Kenya who helped in his illegal arrest must also be punished.

The group ended by saying that Kanu must be released right away and without any conditions. They promised not to stop speaking out until justice is done and everyone has the right to self-determination.