3Senators from the Southeast region of Nigeria convened in Abuja on Wednesday to meet with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to advocate for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is currently detained.
Speaking to judiciary correspondents after a closed-door session with the AGF, the senators expressed deep concern over Monday’s sit-at-home directive and the escalating violence in the South East. They lamented the severe economic and social disruptions caused by the activities of those responsible for the unrest.
Led by former Abia State Deputy Governor Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the caucus of 15 senators emphasized that individuals behind the violence have linked it to Kanu’s detention, threatening that unrest will persist until he is freed.
Abaribe stated, “We, the South East Senate caucus, are here to discuss a critical issue concerning Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his detention. The entire South East—business leaders, clergy, politicians, and the populace—is deeply troubled by the situation, especially given the insecurity in the region.”
He further added, “Criminals and agitators using Kanu’s detention as a rallying cry have caused chaos, claiming it as justification for violence, destruction, and loss of life. We appeal to the Attorney-General to convey to the President our belief that Kanu’s release would significantly ease tensions and curb the escalating crisis.”
Abaribe also disclosed that on Monday, he and other caucus members met with Kanu at the Department of State Services headquarters, where Kanu pledged to abide by any conditions if granted conditional release.
This move by the senators follows a similar resolution by the South-East Governors Forum, which recently announced plans to meet with President Bola Tinubu to seek Kanu’s release. The forum, comprising governors from Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, and Anambra states, aims to address both Kanu’s detention and regional security concerns.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who chairs the forum, conveyed their resolution to engage with the federal government for Kanu’s release, stressing the need to address security challenges in the South East.
The precise timing of the governors’ meeting with President Tinubu regarding Kanu’s release has yet to be specified.
Recall that Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 by the Federal Government and brought to the country for trial on terrorism charges.
Although Kanu pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, declined to admit him to bail because he earlier jumped the bail granted him where in Senator Abaribe was his surety.
Since his re-arrest, Kanu has been in the custody of DSS even though he applied Justice Nyako to admit him to bail or transfer him to the Kuje correctional facility or the option of a house arrest, the court denied all his requests.