The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a communiqué released on Tuesday, Afenifere expressed deep concerns that Kanu’s right to a fair hearing may no longer be ensured due to the ongoing, conflicting legal proceedings in multiple courts.
The statement was issued following a general meeting chaired by Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, in Isanya-Ogbo, the hometown of the organisation’s leader, Ayo Adebanjo. The communiqué was signed by Olaitan and Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye.
Afenifere insisted that Kanu’s continued detention without trial is unjustifiable and called for his immediate release in the interest of justice and national reconciliation.
Kanu is a Political Detainee – Afenifere
Describing Nnamdi Kanu as a political detainee, Afenifere maintained that there is no valid legal reason for keeping him in custody.
“Afenifere notes that from all circumstances, particularly since his abduction in 2021 and repatriation to Nigeria, and since then subjected to controversial and conflicting legal proceedings in different courts—by which his fair trial may no longer be guaranteed in the opinion of reasonable members of the public—it is clear that Nnamdi Kanu is undoubtedly a political detainee,” the statement read.
“There is no justifiable reason to continue to keep him in detention without trial.”
Dele Farotimi Appointed as National Organising Secretary
The meeting also approved the appointment of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, as Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary.
“The General Meeting considered and approved the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as the National Organising Secretary of Afenifere,” the group stated.
Afenifere Reiterates Call for State Police
In addition to its demand for Kanu’s release, Afenifere reaffirmed its position on state policing, arguing that Nigeria’s vast population and federal structure make a single-command unitary police system ineffective.
“Afenifere reiterates the position that Nigeria, with its vast territory, population, and as a federation, cannot be effectively and meaningfully secured with a single-command unitary police structure,” the group said.
It further called for restructuring to ensure the constitutional institutionalization of state police, citing concerns about growing security challenges in different parts of the country.
“The steps will prevent a situation where the Governor of Oyo State, even as the Chief Security Officer, had to helplessly and lamentably make an outcry on the infiltration of bandits into his state.”
Afenifere’s stance on these issues reflects its continued advocacy for restructuring, justice, and improved security in Nigeria.
