The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has made an appeal to President Bola Tinubu to utilize his position of authority in order to explore all legal options to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for the benefit of the South-East region.
This request comes shortly after a Federal High Court in Abuja rejected Kanu’s bail application.
Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, made this plea during the episcopal ordination of the Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese in Imo State. Most Rev. Ugorji emphasized that Kanu’s release would contribute to economic prosperity and security in the South-East.
He further stated that Kanu’s continued detention has been a major factor in the region’s insecurity, and the weekly sit-at-home protests have severely impacted the economy, causing significant financial losses for businesses.
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja denied Kanu’s bail on Tuesday but ordered an expedited hearing of the case, which involves charges of treasonable felony. Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his arrest in June 2021.
