Reps Call on Tinubu to End Nnamdi Kanu Detention

A group of 44 members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday asked President Bola Tinubu to consider a political solution to the long-running detention of Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The lawmakers, drawn from different regions of the country, sent a letter and a formal resolution to the President, asking him to use his powers to end Kanu’s prosecution and start a wide national dialogue that can help calm tensions in the South-East.

In their message, the lawmakers said the situation in the region has worsened over the years and that only open political engagement can create lasting peace. They appealed to the President to instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation to stop the Federal Government’s legal case against Kanu and instead open the door for discussions that involve all sides.

The letter was signed by lawmakers including Ikenga Ugochinyere, Obi Aguocha, Murphy Osaro, Peter Akpanke, Mudashiru Lukman, Paul Nnamechi, Dominic Okafor, Afam Ogene, Emeka Chinedu, Chimaobi Sam, Mascot Ikwechegh, Donatus Matthew, Ibe Osonwa and Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, among others. They said their decision followed a closed-door meeting where they discussed how to strengthen unity and reduce rising insecurity.

The lawmakers pointed out that several court rulings in Nigeria and decisions from international bodies have called for Kanu’s release. They noted that many citizens across the country now support ending the case and finding a peaceful way forward.

Kanu was first arrested in 2015 on charges including treasonable felony. His arrest triggered wide protests across the South-East and some parts of the South-South. He was later granted bail in 2017 but left the country after a military operation in Abia State, which his supporters believe was an attempt on his life. He later resurfaced abroad, where he continued to speak on the call for a Biafran referendum.

In 2021, he was taken into custody again after being intercepted in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria. His re-arrest deepened unrest in the region, as authorities linked many violent incidents and sit-at-home orders to separatist groups.

In 2022, the Court of Appeal cleared him of all charges and ruled that the manner of his return from Kenya was unlawful, but the Federal Government refused to release him, saying there were appeals still pending and national security concerns to consider.

Since then, more court rulings and international statements have questioned the legality of his detention, leading to renewed calls for the matter to be resolved through negotiation rather than continued court action.

The 44 lawmakers said they believe President Tinubu will carefully consider their request. They also restated their support for his administration’s efforts to keep the country stable and united.