‘For peace in south-east’ — reps panel calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s unconditional release

A house of representatives ad hoc committee has called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Obinna Aguocha, chairman of the committee working with security agencies to end criminal activities in Isuikwuato and Umunneochi LGAs of Abia, spoke at a hearing on Thursday.

He said the release of the IPOB leader is necessary for peace to be restored in the south-east.

KANU’S DETENTION

The IPOB leader has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since he was extradited from Kenya in June 2021.

In October 2022, the court of appeal in Abuja struck out the terrorism charge filed against Kanu by the federal government.

The appellate court held that Kanu’s extradition from Kenya to Nigeria to stand trial was illegal.

The federal government later filed an appeal before the supreme court challenging the judgement — and subsequently filed an amended charge before a federal high court.

The government also filed to stay the execution in the appellate court and it was granted.

The supreme court heard the case in May but adjourned it to September 14.

‘KANU’S RELEASE NECESSARY FOR PEACE IN SOUTH-EAST’

The committee chairperson said it is necessary to deal with the underlying source of the problem if the insecurity challenges in the south-east must be addressed effectively.

“For absolute peace, reduction of crime and criminality, investment in meaningful infrastructure development, ending the unproductive sit-at-home and improving economic growth and opportunities in the south-east, starts with the government’s recognition of the rule of law, justice, and equitable inclusion of the south-east zone in the project Nigeria and the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from unlawful detention to ensure lasting peace and security in the entire region,” he said.

The lawmaker lamented that the security situation in the south-east is not “mere statistics or headlines”.

He said the situation is a “real-life manifestation that affects the lives of our people, disrupts the functioning of our institutions and communities and impedes the growth” of the geo-political zone.

“As leaders and stakeholders, it is incumbent upon us to come together, transcending our differences, to find sustainable solutions that will quell these threats and pave the way for a brighter future,” he said.

There have been frequent demands from stakeholders, including south-east governors, for the release of Kanu.

The IPOB leader’s continued detention has been attributed to the rising insecurity in the south-east.