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A cleric, Kohen Daniel Onuoha, who is spiritual leader of the Peace of Yahweh Synagogue and founder of Eastern Judaism, has paid a solidarity visit to detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Facility.
The visit, which took place on January 10, 2026, was described by Onuoha as a gesture of spiritual and moral support from Jewish communities in Nigeria’s former Eastern Region, also known as Biafraland.
Onuoha was accompanied by his wife and associates, whom he said represented Jewish congregations that “faithfully observe the Ten Commandments.”
He said the visit underscored years of sustained prayers and sacrifices for Kanu’s freedom.
“For over five years, we have remained steadfast in daily sacrifices and prayers to Elohim without interruption,” Onuoha said in a statement made available to SaharaReporters, adding that the prison visit further demonstrated his commitment to what he described as the pursuit of justice and freedom.
During the visit, Onuoha reaffirmed his belief in divine intervention for Kanu’s release and urged the international community to scrutinise the legal basis of his continued detention.
“I call on the global community, legal experts and human rights organisations to critically examine the legality of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention and conviction,” he said, arguing that the case was “based on a repealed law and questionable legal grounds.”
The Jewish leader rejected the designation of Kanu and IPOB as terrorists, insisting that the detained separatist leader had not committed any violent acts.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not a terrorist, and IPOB is not a terrorist organisation,” Onuoha declared. “We all know who the real terrorists are, and the world knows too.”
According to him, Kanu’s prosecution stemmed from what he described as the peaceful exercise of the right to self-determination and his public criticism of alleged atrocities involving political leaders, foreign interests and local elites.
He further argued that speech alone could not justify criminal conviction.
“Verbal expressions or broadcasts, without credible evidence of violent acts, cannot lawfully justify the conviction or continued incarceration of an innocent man,” Onuoha said, calling for Kanu’s “immediate and unconditional release in the interest of justice and the rule of law.”
Onuoha also used the occasion to commend United States President Donald Trump for what he described as efforts by his administration to protect Christians in Nigeria.
He appealed for broader international intervention to address the plight of Biafrans.
“Beyond Christian communities, Biafrans seeking their legitimate right to freedom continue to face marginalisation, oppression and violence,” he said, urging President Trump to intensify international action against what he termed ongoing injustices.
In his closing remarks, Onuoha appealed for calm and perseverance among Kanu’s supporters.
“I call on all Biafrans, freedom advocates, Jews and human rights defenders to remain steadfast, resilient and peaceful,” he said. “The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is imperative, and justice, in due time, must prevail.”
