The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to consider releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), citing the potential benefits for the South-East region.
This request follows the recent denial of Kanu’s bail application by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The appeal was conveyed by Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, the President of CBCN, during the episcopal ordination ceremony of the Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese in Imo State.
Ugorji emphasized that Kanu’s release could contribute to economic growth and enhance security in the South-East.
Ugorji highlighted that Kanu’s prolonged detention has been a significant factor fueling insecurity in the region, noting the disruptive impact of the weekly Monday sit-at-home protests on the local economy, resulting in substantial financial losses for businesses.
The decision to deny bail to Kanu was made by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who, however, ordered an expedited hearing of the case.
Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his arrest in June 2021.
