Pressure Mounts on President Tinubu to Release IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu
Pressure is intensifying on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in federal custody since June 2021, Excel Magazine International has gathered.
Sources within the government suggest that Kanu’s release may be imminent, although the terms remain undisclosed.
Daily Trust reports that the presidency officially refused to comment on the development when contacted last night. However, insiders indicate that leaders from the South East geopolitical zone have the right to request presidential intervention.
Excel Magazine International was told that political leaders from the South-East have intensified efforts to secure Kanu’s release over the past few weeks, holding several meetings and making open appeals to the government.
This cross-party effort has seen legislators and state executives from the region unite in seeking a political solution to the impasse, which has caused significant economic and social disruption.
The situation has also resulted in hundreds of deaths since IPOB declared a sit-at-home order on Mondays across the zone, enforced by its paramilitary wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Despite the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice refusing to divulge government plans, citing subjudice concerns, it has been gathered that the governors of the five states will meet with the president soon to formally present their resolution.
Recall that at a meeting on July 2, Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Alex Otti of Abia, Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, and Peter Mbah of Enugu resolved to interface with the federal government to secure Kanu’s release.
Following the governors’ meeting, the South East Caucus of the Senate met with the AGF, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who emphasized the need for Kanu’s release to restore social and economic stability in the region. The Caucus submitted a letter to President Tinubu pleading for his intervention.
Similarly, the South East Caucus in the House of Representatives announced support for Kanu’s release in a statement signed by 43 lawmakers, including Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu and other caucus leaders.
Obi Aguocha, representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, visited former President Muhammadu Buhari to seek his intervention. Kanu was arrested in July 2021 during Buhari’s administration and has been detained since fleeing the country following a military raid on his home.
Renowned constitutional lawyer Professor Auwalu Yadudu suggested that a political solution involving a ‘nolle prosequi’—the discontinuation of the trial—could be effective if commitments are secured from South-East leaders. However, he noted the risk of Kanu violating conditions if released on bail.
Professor Seyi Akinseye-George (SAN) emphasized the need for clear conditions in any out-of-court settlement, suggesting Kanu might have learned lessons on peaceful agitation.
Barrister Chukwudi Igwe highlighted a legal pathway under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) that allows the President, through the AGF, to withdraw charges and terminate prosecution.
