The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to use his influence to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
They emphasized that Kanu’s release is crucial for the economic prosperity and security of the South-East region.
The call for Kanu’s release comes shortly after his bail application was rejected by a Federal High Court in Abuja. Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, the President of the CBCN, made this appeal during the episcopal ordination of the Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese in Imo State.
According to Most Rev. Ugorji, Kanu’s continued detention has contributed significantly to insecurity in the South-East, with the Monday sit-at-home protests severely impacting the region’s economy.
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja denied bail to Kanu, ordering an accelerated hearing of the case. Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his arrest in June 2021.
However, Kanu’s legal counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, citing difficulties in accessing their client and alleging unfair treatment by the DSS.
