Mr. Kanu, currently facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has been in custody since his controversial repatriation to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021.
Jude Idimogu, a former lawmaker from Lagos State, has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider granting clemency to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Idimogu urged Igbo leaders, South-East governors, and all Nigerians to unite in appealing for Kanu's pardon, emphasizing that such a gesture could alleviate insecurity and tension in the region.
He believes that a presidential pardon would not only benefit the South-East but also enhance the ruling APC's prospects in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Idimogu also expressed concern that individuals misusing Kanu's name have been instigating violence in the South-East, asserting that Kanu's release could bring significant advantages to both the region and the nation as a whole.
He emphasized that releasing Kanu would help reduce tensions and rejuvenate the region's economy, particularly in light of the detrimental impact of the IPOB's sit-at-home order on local businesses.
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He urged the President to consider the plight of the South-East, where insecurity has stifled trade and commerce, noting that the average Igbo individual is a trader whose contributions are vital to the regional economy.
The South-East, once a thriving hub, has unfortunately transformed into an area plagued by insecurity and other challenges, a situation he believes could be remedied by Kanu's release. He appealed to the President's compassionate nature, asking for Kanu's freedom as a means to restore stability in the region.
In the background, Kanu's legal troubles began with his arrest in 2015 during former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration. On October 13, 2022, the Court of Appeal in Abuja ruled that Kanu had been unlawfully extradited to Nigeria, violating both the country's extradition treaty and his fundamental human rights. Consequently, the court dismissed the terrorism charges against him and ordered his release from the State Security Service's custody.
However, the government refused to comply, citing concerns that Kanu's release could disrupt court proceedings and exacerbate insecurity in the South-East. Following this, the Attorney-General's office appealed the ruling, leading to a Supreme Court decision on December 15, 2023, which overturned Kanu's acquittal and mandated the continuation of his trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.