A former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Aguata branch in Anambra State, Clifford Okoye, and two other lawyers—Maurice Efobi and Sam Chukwukelu—have warned the Federal Government against the consequences of disobeying the United Nation’s demand for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

The United Nations recently requested Kanu’s unconditional release, stating that he is only seeking the independence of his people and that his actions do not warrant such detention.

However, the Federal Government is yet to heed to the UN’s demand at the moment as Kanu is still in the custody of the Department of State Services.

The lawyers, who spoke to journalists in Onitsha on the development, on Wednesday, said the Federal Government should not dismiss the UN’s statement the same way they disobeyed or disregarded orders from the Nigerian courts.

Okoye said, “I want to thank the UN for lending its voice to Nigeria’s internal affairs as a member nation under it, and Nigeria should be a country where freedom of speech and expression are observed.

“Kanu is entitled to bail because treason is not a capital offence that will attract death by hanging. I recall the attack on Kanu’s home in Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, by the military, leading to his arrest.

“Although the UN declaration is only persuasive and not compulsive, being a global strong voice, it has spoken; it has a method of enforcing its actions against any deviant nation under it.”

According to Efobi, who is also a former Chairman of NBA, Idemili Branch, Nigeria is bound to follow any decision taken by the UN.

“The court has ruled that Kanu did not jump bail because his house was invaded and he had to flee to save his life. The court has equally ruled that his fundamental rights were infringed upon. So, he should be released unconditionally or else the UN has several sanctions to impose against Nigeria,” Efobi added.