Members of the South-East caucus in the House of Representatives have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider granting a pardon to Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The lawmakers said the continued detention of Kanu has heightened tension and unrest in the South-East region.
In a statement released Monday after a caucus meeting, the representatives noted that presidential clemency has historically been used in Nigeria to promote national healing and political reconciliation. “An act of clemency by the President would resonate deeply across the country as a symbol of inclusiveness, fairness, and leadership that prioritises healing over division,” the statement read. They argued that releasing Kanu could create opportunities for dialogue between the Federal Government, elected leaders, and community stakeholders to foster long-term peace in the region.
The caucus highlighted the humanitarian and social impact of Kanu’s imprisonment, citing disruptions such as closed markets, interrupted schooling, reduced commercial activity, and widespread fear. While affirming respect for the judiciary and the legal process that led to Kanu’s life sentence for terrorism, the lawmakers urged a political and humanitarian intervention under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution to ease tensions and restore normalcy.
Kanu was sentenced by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025, after being convicted on seven counts of terrorism. Justice James Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s actions, including calls for sit-at-home orders in South-East states, constituted acts of terrorism. Kanu’s legal team has said it will challenge the verdict at the Court of Appeal.
