Afenifere Calls on President Tinubu to Release Nnamdi Kanu

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, stating that his continued detention without trial is unjustifiable.

The call was made during Afenifere’s general meeting on Tuesday at the residence of its leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.

Kanu has been held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial arrest and rendition to Nigeria in June 2021.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, jointly signed by Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, the group described Kanu’s detention as politically motivated.

The communiqué reads: “Afenifere notes that from all circumstances, particularly since his abduction in 2021 and rendition to Nigeria, and since then subjected to controversial and conflicting legal proceedings in different courts by which his fair trial may no longer be guaranteed in the opinion of reasonable members of the public, it is clear that Nnamdi Kanu is indubitably a political detainee.

“In the interest of justice and national reconciliation, Afenifere urges President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu forthwith. There is no justifiable reason to continue keeping him in detention without trial.”

In addition to calling for Kanu’s release, Afenifere expressed concern over the country’s worsening security situation.

The group emphasized the need for President Tinubu to adopt bold, positive, and ideological measures to protect lives and property across the nation.

The group reiterated its commitment to advocating for justice, equity, and the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians while urging the federal government to prioritize reconciliation and national unity.