Nnamdi Kanu is popularly known in Nigeria and abroad, He is the Leader of the indigenous people of Biafra. In this article, we will discuss about his biography and quotes. Read also: Aliko Dangote’s Biography & Net Worth 2023 (Forbes)
Early Life of Nnamdi Kanu
Nnamdi Kanu Born on September 25, 1967, in Isiama Afara, Abia State, Nigeria, he was born into a family with a history of activism. Nnamdi Kanu’s father is named Eze Israel Okwu Kanu, and his mother is Ugoeze Nnenne Kanu. His father, was a known Biafran activist during the Nigerian Civil War in the late 1960s. Nnamdi Kanu studied at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he pursued a degree in political science. He later relocated to the United Kingdom where he obtained a PhD political science from the London Metropolitan University.
It was during his time at the university that he became involved in activism and began to advocate for the rights of the Igbo people in Nigeria, which later led to his leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and his involvement in the pro-Biafra secessionist movement.
Kanu was known for establishing and operating Radio Biafra, an internet radio station that broadcasted pro-Biafra messages, including calls for secession from Nigeria. He is married to Uchechi Kanu, whom he legally married after his first wife and is blessed with two children.
How Nnamdi Kanu was arrested
Nnamdi Kanu was arrested on October 14, 2015, by Nigerian authorities. He was charged with several offenses, including treasonable felony, terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms. His arrest was related to his leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and his establishment of Radio Biafra, which promoted the secession of Biafra from Nigeria.
After his initial arrest, Nnamdi Kanu was held in detention for more than a year without trial. His prolonged detention sparked protests and calls for his release by his supporters. He was eventually released on bail in April 2017.
He was arrested again and brought back to Nigeria in June 2021, Nnamdi is still locked up by the DSS and facing charges of terrorism held against him by the Nigerian government.
Some of Nnamdi Kanu’s Quotes
Nnamdi Kanu, as a prominent activist and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has made several statements and quotes related to his advocacy for the secession of Biafra from Nigeria and the rights of the Igbo people.
“Biafra is our identity, it’s who we are, it’s our value, it’s our essence, it’s what makes us who we are as a people.”
“What we’re looking for is to have the freedom to determine our own future, to determine our own destiny.”
“Self-determination is a universal right, and we are prepared to exercise it.”
“We will not be enslaved in the land of our forefathers, we will not be enslaved in our own land. We will not be second-class citizens in our own land. We must be free.”
“We are seeking justice; we are seeking to right the wrongs of the past. We are seeking for a nation where we can determine our own future.”
FAQs
Where was Nnamdi Kanu born?
Nnamdi Kanu was born in Abia state, in Isiama Afara.
Where did the name Biafra originated from?
Biafra is derived from two Igbo words ‘bia’(come) and ‘fra’(take). It is a word commonly used by the Igbo tribe in the West African subregion which they were later identified with.
What Offence was Nnamdi Kanu charged with?
The federal government has filed an amended seven-count terrorism charge against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
What happened to Nnamdi Kanu in Kenya?
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the pro-Biafra group, IPOB, has spoken for the first time from detention since he was arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria about three weeks ago to face treason trial.
What happened in Nnamdi Kanu court?
The Court of Appeal in Abuja had in a judgment delivered on October 13, 2022, ordered Kanu’s release.
Conclusion
Nnamdi Kanu faced multiple arrests, detention, and legal battles over charges related to his activism. His actions and statements have sparked significant support and opposition, both within Nigeria and internationally. Nnamdi Kanu’s commitment to the cause of Biafra, self-determination, of the rights of the Igbo people in Nigeria. And he is mostly respected by the Igbo people.
