Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced plans to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader sentenced to life imprisonment for terrorism by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The conviction, handed down by Justice James Omotosho, found Kanu guilty of inciting violence, belonging to a proscribed organization, and threatening attacks on Nigerian and foreign targets.
In a statement, Governor Otti emphasized that efforts to secure Kanu’s freedom were initiated during the trial and will continue.
“While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is free to appeal his conviction, I have activated and will continue to implement the agreed strategy until his freedom is secured,” he said.
Otti also briefed key authorities on agreements reached during his visit to Kanu in DSS custody.
Otti criticized the initial handling of IPOB grievances, calling for peaceful resolution through dialogue.
“The poor management of the IPOB issue in its early stages created the challenges we face today. We can’t let it escalate into a bigger crisis,” he warned.
He urged politicians to avoid exploiting Kanu’s situation for personal gain and invited well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate on securing his release through diplomacy.
The governor recalled the 2017 military invasion of Kanu’s home, condemning it as avoidable and advocating for dialogue then.
The case has caused widespread distress in Abia and beyond, Otti noted, appealing for calm as efforts continue.
