Appeal Court: Southeast Royal Fathers, Bishops Demand Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu

The federal government of Nigeria has been called upon to immediately release the embattled leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The call was made on Tuesday by a council of southeast traditional rulers and representatives of Igbo Bishops based on the recent Appeal Court order which freed Kanu of the charges brought against him.

Naija News recalls the court in its October 13 ruling, also accused the government of breaching international laws in the IPOB leader’s extradition from Kenya to Nigeria thus declaring the move illegal.

Based on the court ruling, the council urged the federal government to comply immediately. They argued that the IPOB leader’s release is an opportunity to restore peace in the region and build trust again.

The council’s position was made known in a statement signed by the chairman, Anambra state traditional rulers council; Nnaemeka Achebe, Methodist archbishop of Umuahia; Chibuzo Opoko, chairman of the Enugu state traditional rulers council; L.O.C. Agubuzu and the Catholic archbishop of Onitsha, Valerian Okeke.

The statement reads; “We welcome this judgement and assert that the wisdom of the Appellate Court presents a timely and unprecedented opportunity to overcome the challenge of trust that has obstructed the path to peace; and opens the window to winning the hearts and minds of the people,” the statement reads.

“We therefore unequivocally support the call for the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in line with the unanimous judgement of the Court that his extradition and subsequent trial was illegal, and the lower court had no jurisdiction to hear the case.”

Discharged, Not Acquitted

Meanwhile, the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has reacted to the ruling of the Court of Appeal concerning the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Reacting in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, stated that the court only discharged Kanu and did not acquit him.

He said the government will explore all available options on the ruling.