The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called upon President Bola Tinubu to utilize his authority to seek all available civil remedies for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The appeal, made in the best interest of the South-East region, follows the rejection of Kanu’s bail application by a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, March 19.
Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, conveyed this plea during the episcopal ordination of the Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese in Imo State on Wednesday.
According to Most Rev. Ugorji, the release of Kanu is crucial for fostering economic prosperity and security in the South-East.
Highlighting the detrimental impact of Kanu’s continued detention, Most Rev. Ugorji emphasized that it has been a primary contributor to insecurity in the South East. He further noted that the weekly Monday sit-at-home protests have paralyzed the region’s economy, resulting in significant financial losses for businesses.
The call for Kanu’s release comes in the wake of Justice Binta Nyako’s denial of bail to the IPOB leader on Tuesday. While the court ordered an expedited hearing of the case on charges related to treasonable felony, Kanu’s legal team, represented by counsel Aloy Ejimakor, expressed discontent with the ruling.
Ejimakor voiced concerns over the inability of Kanu’s legal team to engage with their client effectively while he remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
He alleged that conversations with Kanu were monitored, and Kanu was reportedly still wearing the same outfit despite a court order for a change, citing unfair treatment that contravenes the Nigerian Constitution.
As the legal battle for Kanu’s release continues, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria’s plea underscores the urgency and significance of securing Kanu’s freedom for the stability and progress of the South-East region.