Senators from the South East have urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The request was made during a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
A delegation of 15 senators, led by former Abia Deputy Governor, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, presented their case to the Attorney-General. They argued that Kanu’s continued detention has significantly disrupted economic and social activities in the South East.
Senator Abaribe emphasized that the region’s economy and social life have suffered due to the ongoing incarceration of Kanu. He highlighted that the peaceful protests originally led by Kanu have been hijacked by criminal elements, leading to violence and insecurity.
Abaribe informed the press that he had met with Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters, where Kanu expressed his willingness to comply with any conditions set for his release. The senator expressed optimism that Kanu’s release would ease tensions and restore peace in the South East.
The senators handed over a letter of appeal to Fagbemi, requesting him to convey their message to President Bola Tinubu. They urged the Attorney-General to use his authority to terminate the charges against Kanu.
The appeal for Kanu’s release has gained widespread support among political and religious leaders in the region, who believe it is essential for peace and stability.
Nnamdi Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and brought back to Nigeria to face terrorism charges. Despite pleading not guilty, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja denied him bail, citing a previous instance where Kanu had jumped bail. He has since remained in DSS custody.
The senators’ appeal reflects a broader consensus in the South East that releasing Kanu is crucial for resolving the ongoing unrest and fostering a more stable and secure environment.
