The Special Adviser on Media to the Anambra State Governor, Ejimofor Opara, has criticised comments made by former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, describing his call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu as an attack on the judiciary.
Obi had recently reiterated his position during an interaction with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States, insisting there was no justification for Kanu’s continued detention. The remarks were made during a recent engagement with members of the Nigerian diaspora.
Reacting in a statement, Opara said Obi’s comments were “careless” and “self-serving,” arguing that they undermined both the Nigerian judiciary and the judicial process in Finland, where Simon Ekpa—described as Kanu’s associate—was reportedly convicted and sentenced for terrorism-related offences.
He further stated that Obi, as a beneficiary of past court rulings during his political career, ought to show respect for judicial institutions rather than criticise ongoing legal proceedings. He added that the judiciary had acted transparently in Kanu’s case, including allowing public access to parts of the trial to avoid misinformation.
Opara also accused Obi of making statements that could be politically motivated ahead of future elections, warning that such comments could be interpreted as undermining institutional integrity.
Nnamdi Kanu was convicted by a Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025 on terrorism-related charges, including incitement and involvement in activities linked to separatist violence in parts of the South-East.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment on several counts, with additional concurrent sentences. His legal team has since filed an appeal, challenging both the conviction and the sentencing.
