A former Attorney General of Imo State, Chukwuma Maikobi, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider granting the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, unconditional release as a step toward national reconciliation and peace.
Speaking at a press briefing in Owerri, Maikobi argued that Kanu’s prolonged detention has contributed to heightened unrest in the South-East and that his release could pave the way for renewed dialogue between the federal government and agitators in the region.
“We are at a critical point where we need healing, unity, and dialogue. The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu has fueled resentment and insecurity in the South-East. I urge President Tinubu to show leadership by granting him freedom as part of a broader national reconciliation process,” Maikobi said.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his extradition from Kenya in 2021. Despite multiple court rulings granting him bail, the federal government has maintained that he must answer for charges related to treasonable felony and incitement.
While some legal experts argue that releasing Kanu could strengthen the government’s credibility in handling regional discontent, others warn that it might embolden separatist movements.
IPOB has welcomed the call for Kanu’s release, reiterating that their leader’s freedom is essential for any meaningful peace process. However, the group insists that their agitation for an independent Biafra remains non-negotiable.
As political stakeholders weigh in on the matter, President Tinubu’s response will be closely watched in the coming months.