Nnamdi Kanue, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), should be freed. At least fifty members of the House of Representatives from political parties, known as Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East, have written to President Bola Tinubu requesting that he invoke Section 174 of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 to that effect.
On June 19, 2024, a three-page letter with the appeal was sent.
The signatories include Hon Obi Aguocha (Abia), Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), Hon. Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), Hon Midala Balami (Borno), Hon Afam Ogene (Anambra), Hon. Abiante Awaji-Inombek (Rivers), Hon Dominic Okafor (Anambra), Hon Etanabene Benedict (Delta), Hon. Shehu Dalhatu (Katsina), Hon Chinedu Emeka Martins (Imo), Hon. Matthew Nwogu (Imo), Hon. Muhammed Buba Jagere (Yobe), Hon Peter Aniekwe (Anambra), Hon Koki Sagir (Kano), Hon Amobi Oga (Abia), Hon Gwacham Chinwe (Anambra), Hon Uchenna Okonkwo (Anambra), Hon. Abdulmaleek Danga (Kogi), Hon. Osi Nkemkama (Ebonyi), and others.
They pleaded with the President to order Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release from custody and the suspension of his trial by using the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to exercise his nolle prosequi powers in accordance with Section 174(1) of the Constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
The MPs feel it is long overdue and would be helpful in addressing the issues that sparked the agitations as well as in facilitating much-needed discussions about inclusivity and peace restoration.
They noted that in the case of Omoyele Sowore, who was accused of committing a treasonable act, the President made this gesture via the Attorney General’s office.
