Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, could regain freedom sooner than expected as President Muhammadu Buhari promised to consider a request for his unconditional release.
The President made the promise Friday while receiving a group under the aegis of Highly Respected Igbo Greats, led by First Republic parliamentarian and Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, at State House, Abuja.
He said the unconditional release of Kanu runs contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary.
He said, “You’ve made an extremely difficult demand on me as leader of this country. The implication of your request is very serious. In the last six years, since I became President, nobody would say I have confronted or interfered in the work of the Judiciary. God has spared you, and given you a clear head at this age, with very sharp memory. A lot of people half your age are confused already. But the demand you made is heavy. I will consider it.”
Kanu is in line to celebrate Christmas in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), following a recent brief court ruling adjourning his case till January 19, 2022.
Kanu who had jumped bail and fled abroad, has been in DSS custody since his re-arrest in July.
When he was rearraigned on Wednesday, Kanu complained that some members of his legal team were not allowed in court but the judge asked if he was ready to defend himself, to which he responded negatively.
In a brief ruling, Justice Binta Nyako expressed displeasure over the conduct of Kanu’s lawyers. She then adjourned the case till January 19, 2022, for trial.
After pledging to consider Kanu's release, Buhari emphasised his policy of non-interference with the Judiciary, saying when Kanu jumped bail, got arrested and brought back to the country, “I said the best thing was to subject him to the system. Let him make his case in court, instead of giving very negative impressions of the country from outside. I feel it’s even a favour to give him that opportunity.”