The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from detention.
The clerics appealed to President Tinubu to utilize his esteemed position to explore all legal avenues to free Kanu, stressing the importance of his release for the betterment of the South-East region.
The plea from the CBCN follows the dismissal of Kanu’s bail request by a Federal High Court in Abuja within the past 24 hours.
Addressing attendees at the episcopal ordination of the auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese in Imo State, Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, President of the CBCN, emphasized that Kanu’s freedom would facilitate economic growth and enhance security in the South-East.
Ugorji highlighted Kanu’s prolonged detention as a significant factor contributing to insecurity in the region, citing disruptions caused by weekly Monday sit-at-home protests that have adversely affected the economy and led to substantial financial losses for businesses.
Earlier reports from Quicktell News indicated that Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja declined to grant Kanu bail.
Instead, the court directed for a speedy trial of the case involving Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his arrest in June 2021 on charges of treasonable felony.
During the ruling, Justice Nyako stated that the court would provide an expedited hearing and instructed the prosecution to present its first witness.
However, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, citing challenges in communicating with their client while he is in DSS custody.
Ejimakor raised concerns over Kanu’s treatment, including being dressed in the same attire despite a court order for a change, which he deemed unfair and unconstitutional.
