You Can’t Silence People - Dele Momodu Tells FG, Backs Call For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

Ovation Magazine publisher, Dele Momodu, has called on the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, stressing that suppressing the Biafra movement will not erase the underlying grievances of the Igbo people.

In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, Momodu revisited Kanu’s long detention and the deeper issues fuelling separatist agitation in the South-East. 

He shared a clip of one of Kanu’s previous broadcasts, describing it as a “thought-provoking reminder” of why the IPOB leader’s message resonated with millions.

Momodu argued that the agitation for Biafra is rooted in years of political exclusion and systemic marginalisation of the Igbo ethnic group. 

According to him, critics often fail to understand the frustration that drives the movement.

“Many people condemn Nnamdi Kanu without asking what made the Biafra dream attractive again,” Momodu wrote. 

“The Igbo have endured decades of neglect, and you can’t silence a people who feel perpetually excluded from the nation’s progress.”

He condemned attempts to vilify or eliminate Kanu, warning that such approaches would only worsen regional resentment. 

“Trying to destroy Kanu, even by his own people, won’t solve anything,” he said. 

“What Nigeria needs is empathy, inclusion, and intelligent engagement, not hostility.”

The veteran journalist also emphasised that Nigeria would benefit from harnessing the talents of the South-East rather than alienating them. 

“I will never support violence,” he stated. “But any responsible government would find ways to engage the geniuses of the South-East productively instead of deepening hatred and mistrust.”

Momodu further urged authorities to approach the issue with political wisdom rather than force, arguing that dialogue remains the only path to lasting peace.

Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested in 2021 and extradited from Kenya under controversial circumstances, is currently facing terrorism-related charges. 

Despite several court orders granting him bail, the IPOB leader remains in detention, drawing widespread criticism and renewed calls for his freedom.