The family of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has claimed that there was an agreement with President Bola Tinubu for the release of the Biafra agitator.
Kanunta Kanu, Nnamdi’s brother, revealed that he had a pact with Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, during the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election.
Gists9ja reports that according to Kanunta, the agreement was that IPOB would not boycott the 2023 elections in exchange for a promise from President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu if elected. Kanunta emphasized that the meeting, held in Abuja, had the approval of President Tinubu, with Seyi assuring him that the agreement was binding on his father.
Details of the Agreement
Kanunta shared that the meeting was arranged after receiving a message from a former governor, indicating that Seyi Tinubu wanted to meet. He stated that the core issue of their discussion was the release of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu. Kanunta confirmed that during the meeting, Seyi acknowledged that President Tinubu had sanctioned the discussions, and any agreement reached would be honored by Tinubu.
The IPOB leader’s family members, as part of their understanding, communicated to Nnamdi Kanu that the group would refrain from any form of civil disobedience, including boycotting the elections, to support Tinubu’s presidential campaign.
Tinubu’s Campaign Statement and Current Disappointment
Kanunta further noted that when Tinubu visited Owerri during his presidential campaign, he publicly reaffirmed his commitment to securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu if elected. This statement, according to Kanunta, was viewed as a confirmation of the prior understanding between Seyi and himself.
However, Kanunta expressed frustration that nearly two years after President Tinubu assumed office, Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention, despite not being formally charged with any crime. He also pointed out that over three months had passed since Justice Binta Nyako recused herself from Kanu’s case, but no new judge had been appointed to handle it.
Call for Action
The Kanu family continues to demand the fulfillment of the promise made during the campaign, questioning why the agreement has not been honored. They also urge the Nigerian government to expedite the legal process and release Nnamdi Kanu, who remains in detention without formal charges.
