Atiku asks Tinubu to release IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu as he condemns killing of soldiers in Abia

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar has asked President Bol Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.

Atiku made the call while condemning the killing of some soldiers in the Aba area of Abia State during Thursday’s sit-at-home exercise.

On May 30, 2024, five soldiers of the Nigerian Army were killed by members of IPOB at Obikabia junction in Aba, Abia State.

IPOB had ordered total compliance with its sit-at-home directive in commemoration of Biafra Day.

This incident which has created tension among residents added to the straining insecurity affecting the southeast region.

Meanwhile, reacting to the development on Friday, Atiku, a one-time vice president subtly asked Tinubu’s government to release the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu as it is a panacea to the insecurity in the region.

“I think the time has come to explore a political resolution to the Nnamdi Kanu and other associated issues. I believe that this will diffuse the compressor cooker situation in the region. It will be a win-win for all parties,” he posted on his X handle.

Atiku also lamented the impact of the sit-at-home order on the conduct of the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, exam across the Southeast.

He said; “The violence that led to the killing of soldiers and civilians in Abia State on Thursday stands condemned.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who may have lost a loved one. May their souls rest in peace. But even more profound is the impact of yesterday’s sit-at-home in the Southeast region of our country on students writing WAEC examinations.

“The veil of the so-called Unknown Gun Men hiding undercover to unleash death and mayhem must be lifted to ensure that criminal elements are separated from legitimate agitators.

“To this end, without prejudice to the ongoing legal processes, I think the time has come to explore a political resolution to the Nnamdi Kanu and other associated issues. I believe that this will diffuse the compressor cooker situation in the region. It will be a win-win for all parties.”

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 when he was forcibly returned to Nigeria from Kenya to face terrorism charges against him.

Following the development, a trial court, on June 29, 2021, remanded him in custody of DSS, where he remained till date.

On April 8, 2022, the court struck out eight out of the 15-count charges that FG preferred against him on the premise that they lacked substance.

Likewise, an Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, on October 13, 2022, ordered Kanu’s immediate release from detention even as it quashed the charge against him.

Dissatisfied with the decision, FG took the matter before the Supreme Court, even as it persuaded the appellate court to suspend the execution of the judgement, pending the determination of its appeal.

While deciding the appeal, the Supreme Court, on December 15, 2023, vacated the judgement of the appellate court and gave FG the nod to try the IPOB leader on the subsisting seven-count charge.

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