“Nnamdi Kanu Is a Man of Deep Passion and Love for All Nigerians” – NANS President, Comrade Atiku Issa, Calls for Nationwide Protest and Release of IPOB Leader
Abuja, Nigeria – October 18, 2025
The National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Issa, has called on Nigerians across all regions to come out en masse on October 20 to demand the unconditional release of the illegally detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Issa made the call on Social media while addressing the public on Friday. He recounted his personal experience with Kanu during his detention by the Department of State Services (DSS), describing the IPOB leader as a man of deep passion, compassion, and genuine love for all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
“While in DSS custody, I stayed close to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and realized he is a man of great passion and love for all Nigerians, irrespective of where you come from,” Issa said. “He helped me during my detention, gave me valuable advice, and stood by me. Today, I am a free man, and I can boldly say that Nnamdi Kanu deserves the same freedom.”
The NANS President recalled that he was arrested by the DSS shortly after his inauguration, following an attack by armed thugs allegedly led by some rival student leaders. According to him, his encounter with Kanu during that period changed his perception of the IPOB leader.
Issa described Kanu’s continued detention as “unjust and unnecessary,” insisting that the government must respect the rule of law and heed repeated court orders granting him bail.
“If bandits and criminals can sit with government officials, armed with guns, and still go back to kidnap and terrorize Nigerians, then there is no justification for keeping Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in detention,” he declared.
The student leader urged all Nigerians to rise against what he called “a system of oppression sustained by fear and silence,” stressing that only unity can bring about meaningful change in the country.
“The power of unity is stronger than the power of those in government. The people suffer today because they have become docile, accepting everything without resistance. Life can only be worthy of living if we live it to the fullest, and that means demanding justice,” Issa said.
He added that the planned October 20 protest would be a peaceful demonstration aimed at urging the Federal Government to embrace dialogue, justice, and national reconciliation.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a man who hates injustice. His struggle is not against Nigerians, but against oppression that is affecting all Nigerians. We must stand with him because his freedom represents a step toward national healing,” he concluded.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been illegally detained in the custody of the DSS since June 2021 following his controversial kidnapping from Kenya by the Nigerian government. Despite multiple court rulings ordering his release, the Federal Government has continued to hold him, citing unlawful charges.
The NANS President’s statement adds to growing public calls from political leaders, Civil Society groups, and International Observers for Kanu’s release and for renewed efforts toward dialogue and reconciliation in Nigeria’s South-East.
