Reps minority caucus demands release of Nnamdi Kanu

The minority caucus in the house of representatives has joined calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The lawmakers made the demand on Monday night at the Transcorp Hilton hotel in Abuja following the adoption of a motion by Obi Aguocha, lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia north/Umuahia south federal constituency of Abia state.

The minority caucus includes members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Aguocha had said Kanu’s release is crucial for national peace, stability, and unity in the south-east.

The lawmaker called for “strategic engagement” with relevant stakeholders to push for a peaceful and political resolution of the matter.

CALLS FOR KANU’S RELEASE

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

He is currently facing terrorism charges filed against him at the federal high court.

In recent months, there have been growing calls for Kanu’s release, particularly from stakeholders in the south-east region.

In June, 50 members of the house of representatives asked President Bola Tinubu to order Kanu’s release.

On July 2, governors under the umbrella of the South-east Governors’ Forum resolved to meet with President Bola Tinubu to seek the release of the separatist leader.

On July 3, senators from the geopolitical region met with Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, over the release of the IPOB leader.

The south-east region has witnessed an uptick in the activities of gunmen who violently enforce a sit-at-home order on Mondays to demand Kanu’s release.