The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed appreciation to former United States mayor Mike Arnold for speaking in his favour over his ongoing detention and conviction.
Arnold had recently criticised the Nigerian government, arguing that Kanu’s case reflects what he described as inconsistency in the handling of justice-related matters in the country.
He compared Kanu’s terrorism conviction and life sentence with other controversial cases involving religious figures accused of incitement, suggesting that not all similar cases are treated the same way.
In response, Kanu, through his lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, sent a message thanking Arnold for his comments. He praised the former mayor for “speaking the truth” about his situation and the IPOB movement, saying such interventions help bring global attention to his case.
Kanu also noted that he values people who publicly voice support for his cause and suggested that wider international engagement earlier on could have influenced events differently.
He further assured Arnold of his personal appreciation and described his support as meaningful to him and IPOB.
Kanu was convicted in 2025 on terrorism-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment, a ruling that has continued to generate debate both within Nigeria and abroad.
