Reps Committee Pushes for Nnamdi Kanu’s Freedom, Links It to Regional Stability

The leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been called for to be released by the House of Representatives’ committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

The proposal was made by the committee’s chairman, Chris Nkwonta, before the national assembly on Wednesday at the panel’s first meeting.

“The committee and other well-meaning Nigerians urge the president to facilitate Nnamdi Kanu’s release as a step towards lasting peace and development in the region, given the security concerns in the region,” he added.

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The chairman of the committee expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for signing the legislation establishing the SEDC, stating that it will “drive meaningful development” in the area.
Since his extradition from Kenya in June 2021, the IPOB leader has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS).

He is being charged with terrorism.

Demands for Kanu’s release have been increasing, especially from those involved in the southeast.

Fifty members of the House of Representatives requested that Tinubu issue an order for Kanu’s release in June 2024.

The green chamber’s minority caucus called for Kanu’s release that same month.

The South-East Governors’ Forum, which is made up of governors, decided on July 2 to meet with Tinubu in order to request the separatist leader’s release.

Lateef Fagbemi, the federation’s attorney general and minister of justice, met with senators from the geographical region on July 3 to discuss the IPOB leader’s release.