A group of medical practitioners under the aegis of Biafra Medical Practitioners, BMP, has called for immediate release of detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, over his alleged worsening health condition.
The group made the call in a statement issued over the weekend and made available to journalists in Abuja.
The statement was jointly signed by Dr. Sam Agubosim, M.D. Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Dr. Nariel Offomah, M.D. Internal Medicine, Dr. Chinonso Agubosim, M.D., M.B.A. — Emergency Medicine, Dr. Cletus lwuagwu, M.D. Internal and Geriatric Medicine, Dr. Nanna Comelius M.D. General Practice, Professor Joy lrobi Pharm D, Dr. Amb Prince Emma Onyero JP M.D., Dr. Ngozi Orabueze FNP, PMHNP, Family and Psychiatric Health, Dr. Okorie Nnanna M.D. MPHIL, Dr Edith Iheme — Pharm D. and Dr. BenedetteAniekwe FNP, PMHNP Family and Psychiatric Health.
According to the statement dated January 13, 2023, a copy of which was obtained by Nigerian Pilot, the medical practitioners averred that Mr Kanu required immediate release for urgent medical assessment and treatment.
It will be recalled that Mazi Kanu was arrested by security officials in Kenya and renditioned to Abuja, Nigeria on June 27, 2021.
He was subsequently arraigned with a blindfold before Binta Nyako, a Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony instituted against him at the court in response to years of campaign for the independent Republic of Biafra through IPOB.
The medical practitioners claimed a recent Medical Report released in Nigeria revealed that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has a pre-existing heart condition which, according to them, has exacerbated by his continuous imprisonment, “due to poor nutrition, psychological torture, social isolation and electrolyte imbalance.”
The statement titled “Re: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Declinin Health and R .: vest for Humanitarian Intervention” read:
“We, Biafra Medical Practitioners (BMP),would like to bring your attention to the urgent need for proper medical care to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is currently in solitary confinement under the custody of Nigerian Department of State Services (DSS).
“Mazi Kanu requires immediate release for independent medical treatment. He is a British citizen and as such should be sent to his country of citizenship for proper medical treatment. Mazi Kanu was kidnapped from Kenya and renditioned to Abuja, Nigeria on June 27, 2021, where he remains incarcerated, despite several Nigerian trial court rulings, including a Nigerian Appellate Court ruling in October 2022, acquitting and discharging him of all charges.
“A recent Medical Report released in Nigeria revealed that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has a pre-existing heart condition. This condition is exacerbated by his continuous imprisonment, due to poor nutrition, psychological torture, social isolation and electrolyte imbalance.
“In light of Mazi Kanu’s kidnapping and rendition by the Nigerian government. he cannot receive proper medical care in Nigeria. In order for him to receive fair, humane and adequate medical care, he must be sent abroad.
“Since his detention at the DSS facility, it is reported that he has been denied food and proper medication, which has led to worsening of his health. Evidently, there is an inherent bias in his treatment, which is in violation of his human rights.
“Please, it is imperative that Mazi Kanu receives independent medical attention as soon as possible. If urgent medical treatment abroad is not provided, he may not survive, due to impending cardiac arrest.
“We urge that Mazi Kanu be taken abroad immediately for medical treatment based on humanitarian grounds, to prevent death. Mazi Kanu ts a “Prisoner of Conscience” for people around the world. His untimely demise in the custody of DSS would have catastrophic consequences for people in Nigeria and around the world.
“We humbly request that you intercede in this matter in order to prevent Mazi Kanu’s willful or negligent death.
“We recognize that there are millions of Nigerians who do not have access to adequate medical treatment due to poor medical facilities and infrastructures. However, Mazi Kanu’s case is an exception, in which inattention and silence could have tragic consequences.
“Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation and attention to this very serious humanitarian matter. We look forward to your expedient response. You may reach us via the email address provided above.
