The Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere has called on President Bola Tinubu to promptly release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a communiqué signed by Deputy Leader Oba Oladipo Olaitan, the organization labeled Kanu a political detainee and condemned his ongoing incarceration as unjustifiable. Afenifere emphasized that the legal proceedings surrounding Kanu have been fraught with controversy since his abduction in 2021, raising concerns about the fairness of his trial.
“The evidence strongly points to the conclusion that Nnamdi Kanu is undeniably a political prisoner,” the statement read. “In the interest of justice and national reconciliation, we implore President Tinubu to release him without delay, as there is no valid reason for his continued detention.”
During the meeting at the residence of Afenifere leader Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the group also announced the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as the new National Organizing Secretary.
Afenifere further expressed concerns over the persistent insecurity in Nigeria, urging the President to implement effective measures to protect citizens’ lives and property. The group highlighted recent warnings about an influx of bandits, reiterating the need for restructuring to establish state police forces, arguing that a single command police structure is inadequate for the country’s vast and diverse landscape.
The meeting included representatives from the six Southwest states, Kogi, and Kwara, featuring notable attendees such as former Lagos Deputy Governor Senator Kofoworola Bucknor Akerele and Secretary General Chief Sola Ebiseni.
