The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has reportedly agreed to comply with conditions set by the Federal Government for his release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
This disclosure came after a closed-door meeting between Southeast senators and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), aimed at discussing Kanu’s case.
Led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South Senatorial District, approximately 15 federal lawmakers participated in the meeting where they discussed the legal and political avenues for securing Kanu’s release.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues after the meeting, Senator Abaribe expressed optimism that the Attorney-General would advocate for Kanu’s release, stressing that his prolonged detention was exacerbating insecurity and unrest in the South-East region.
“During our discussions, we received assurances from the Attorney-General that he will make efforts to influence the Federal Government’s consideration for the release of Nnamdi Kanu,” Senator Abaribe stated, reflecting the senators’ unified stance on the matter.
Senator Abaribe further revealed that he had personally visited Kanu at the DSS headquarters, where Kanu indicated his willingness to adhere to any conditions that may be stipulated by the government as a prerequisite for his release.
The senators’ meeting with the Attorney-General followed a concerted effort by South-East governors who had directly appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in Kanu’s case and facilitate his release.
Earlier, a group of 50 members from the House of Representatives had urged President Tinubu to instruct the Attorney-General to utilize Section 174 of the Constitution to terminate the terrorism-related charges against Kanu in court, highlighting the legislative push for judicial fairness in Kanu’s legal ordeal.
Nnamdi Kanu’s legal journey dates back to his initial arrest in Lagos in October 2015 on charges bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism. Following his bail in April 2017, Kanu absconded from the country, only to be re-arrested in Kenya in June 2021 and subsequently returned to Nigeria, where he has remained in DSS custody.
Senator Abaribe, speaking on behalf of his colleagues after the meeting, expressed optimism that the Attorney-General would influence the Federal Government to consider releasing Kanu.
He emphasised that Kanu’s prolonged detention was contributing to heightened insecurity and unrest in the South-East region.
Nnamdi Kanu gained prominence as a vocal advocate for Biafran independence, leveraging social media and international platforms to amplify his message.
His leadership of IPOB galvanized support among some segments of the population in the South East.
In 2015, Nnamdi Kanu was arrested on charges of treasonable felony and terrorism-related offences.
His detention sparked protests and occasional violence in the region, as supporters demanded his release and condemned what they perceived as unfair treatment by the government.
Kanu’s trial has been fraught with legal battles and controversies, including allegations of human rights abuses and irregularities in the judicial process.
The case has heightened tensions and occasionally led to clashes between security forces and IPOB supporters, resulting in casualties and exacerbating the security challenges in the region.
