The Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has condemned the conviction of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing the judgment as unjust, destabilising, and a threat to the fragile peace recently restored in the South-East.

The group criticised the court for allegedly overlooking violent actions by security agencies during earlier IPOB demonstrations, which, according to them, were largely peaceful and symbolised by flag-bearing protesters.

They further stated that international human rights organisations had documented more than 150 Igbo youths killed in Abia and Anambra states during those protests.

In a statement signed by its President-General, Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, the association said the ruling — delivered without what they consider a proper chance for Kanu to present his defence — “does not speak well for the judiciary and for the Tinubu administration.”

Ellis-Ezenekwe warned that the decision could unravel the fragile stability that communities and stakeholders have worked hard to rebuild.

“The judiciary may have decided on its own to undo the painstaking peace achieved in the South-East by declaring Mazi Nnamdi Kanu guilty without affording him the opportunity to defend himself,” he said.

He also cautioned that the verdict may carry broader political repercussions, calling it “the start of Tinubu’s nemesis, his Achilles heel,” and describing the judgment as “cowardly.”

The association said the ruling was received with deep disappointment across the Igbo community in Abuja.

“We are saddened and disappointed by this ruling,” Ellis-Ezenekwe stated.

The group also accused the government of inconsistency in its approach to peace and reconciliation, arguing that Kanu’s treatment stands in stark contrast to the more lenient measures reportedly extended to Boko Haram members and other armed groups.

“This conviction is not in line with the spirit of brotherliness that was extended to Boko Haram combatants and to other combatants around the country,” the statement read.

Despite their strong objections, the group urged Igbos to remain peaceful and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.

“We want peace. And in the name of peace, we have called on our people to remain calm and law-abiding,” Ellis-Ezenekwe said.

He appealed to “patriotic Nigerians to rise and speak up against the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” expressing hope that justice would eventually prevail.

“Today is a sad day in Nigeria,” he concluded, “but we are confident justice will prevail at the end.”