The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has made an earnest plea to President Bola Tinubu to utilize his influential position to explore all legal avenues for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for the betterment of the South-East region.
This appeal comes shortly after a Federal High Court in Abuja rejected Kanu’s bail application, adding to the urgency of the situation.
During the episcopal ordination of the Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese in Imo State, Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, the President of the CBCN, emphasized the importance of Kanu’s release in fostering economic prosperity and security in the South East.
According to a report by Channels Television, He highlighted Kanu’s prolonged detention as a primary factor contributing to insecurity in the region, further exacerbated by the disruptive Monday sit-at-home protests causing significant economic losses for businesses.
The denial of bail by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday underscored the gravity of Kanu’s legal predicament.
Despite this setback, the court’s decision to expedite the hearing process signals a glimmer of hope for Kanu’s case.
Presently held in custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) since his arrest in June 2021, Kanu faces charges related to treasonable felony.
In delivering the ruling, Justice Nyako emphasized the court’s commitment to an accelerated hearing, prompting the prosecution to proceed with presenting its initial witness.
