The Nigeria First Project Initiative has cautioned Nigerians against participating in protests calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
On Monday, protesters marched through Abuja to demand Kanu’s release, disrupting activities in parts of the nation’s capital.
Speaking at a press conference in Katsina on Monday, Hamza Saulawa, national coordinator of the group, said any protest advocating Kanu’s release is politically motivated and poses a threat to national security.
Saulawa said Kanu’s previous conduct showed a lack of remorse, noting that the IPOB leader jumped bail in 2017.
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“We, therefore, advise all patriotic Nigerians to shun the politically motivated and dubious #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in the interest of our country and its well-being, peace, sovereignty and prosperity,” he said.
“Nnamdi Kanu has been applying for bail since he was rearrested in 2021, but the court has been denying his bail application.
“There is every reason to believe that if granted bail again, Kanu will definitely jump bail again and continue to promote hate, division, killings, terrorism and attempts to undermine the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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The IPOB leader has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since he was extradited from Kenya in June 2021. He is currently facing terrorism charges.
There have been growing calls for Kanu’s release, particularly from stakeholders in the south-east. Kanu’s lawyers also claim that his health is deteriorating daily.
The court has declined several requests to allow Kanu to leave the DSS custody for medical treatment.
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