Former Niger Delta militant leader and freedom fighter, General Gabriel Asabuja, has said the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, is serving a life sentence due to Igbo leaders.
Asabuja explained that Igbo leaders have failed to unite and mount sufficient pressure on the government to release Kanu.
The former militant leader spoke while addressing journalists on the sidelines of the World Igbo Day celebration in Umuahia, Abia State.
Asabuja said South-East leaders are more concerned about preserving their political interests than demanding Kanu’s release.
He said: “Our brothers in power are the reason they are still holding him. Look at what some governors and senators are saying about him. If they are serious about his freedom, he will not be there till today.
“When they are scared about him, how do you think they will ask for his release? If the political class can come together and put pressure on the Federal Government, Kanu will regain his freedom.
“I’m a strong supporter of Nnamdi Kanu and till tomorrow, I’m not going back. Kanu is my brother and I won’t deny him.”
On November 20, 2025 the Abuja Federal High Court sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment after Justice James Omotosho him guilty on all seven terrorism-related charges.
The IPOB leader is serving his sentence at the Sokoto correctional facility.
‘Igbo leaders reason Nnamdi Kanu is serving life imprisonment’ – Ex-Niger Delta militant