Northern coalition opposes Nnamdi Kanu’s release, calls for prosecution

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly opposed calls for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), describing such demands as “misguided” and “insensitive.”

In a statement released on Thursday, CNG’s National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, urged the Nigerian government to ensure that Kanu is prosecuted in accordance with the law, insisting that justice must be served for the violence and unrest linked to IPOB’s activities.

The group condemned Igbo leaders and elites advocating for Kanu’s release, warning that such individuals should be investigated and punished.

It further urged authorities to take decisive action against IPOB members, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law and hold those engaging in “contemptuous behavior” accountable.

“The Nigerian government must address the threat posed by Kanu and IPOB decisively,” the statement read.

“His calls for war, genocide, and violence must be met with swift action to protect the lives and rights of all Nigerians.”

CNG also suggested that any Igbo leader advocating for Kanu’s unconditional release should be treated as complicit in terrorism.

The coalition accused a section of the Igbo political and business elite of supporting IPOB, claiming that their actions have fueled ethnic tensions and pushed Nigeria towards instability.

It called for urgent government intervention to curb what it described as a “destabilizing effect” caused by the pro-Biafra movement.

“We demand urgent action to check the activities of IPOB, which have brought Nigeria to the brink of disintegration,” Charanchi said.

The group called for the arrest and prosecution of Peter Obi, a prominent Igbo politician and former presidential candidate, alleging that he is among those advocating for Kanu’s release.

CNG warned Northern voters to be cautious of politicians who, in their words, “sacrifice national security for political ambitions.”

Reiterating its long-standing position, CNG called for a referendum to allow any region seeking self-determination to exit the Nigerian federation. The group disclosed that it had filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja to push for this demand.