CNG Opposes Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

ABUJA – The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has opposed the release of the leader of the
the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from the Department of State Services (DSS) detention.

The Coalition condemned in the strongest terms, what it described as “the terrorist tendencies of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed terror outfit, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),” while appearing in court.

A statement issued by Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi,National Coordinator of CNG, said Kanu’s recent behaviour, including his brazen actions in the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday where he faces trial for calls for violence and anarchy, are deeply concerning and posed a serious threat to the peace and stability of Nigeria.

According to Charanchi, “By insulting the prosecuting lawyer and demanding the judge to recuse himself from the case, Kanu has shown a lack of respect for the legal process and the professionalism that should be maintained in a court of law.

“His refusal to recognise the authority of the court and his inflammatory remarks about the judiciary being a “shrine to injustice” are clear acts of contempt and abuse of the legal system and an act of terror; offences that are by themselves punishable.

“Kanu’s contemptuous behaviour towards the Nigerian government and judiciary has not only undermined the rule of law but has also incited violence and division within the country.

The CNG, said it has been at the forefront of addressing the violent and extremist actions of the IPOB and their quest for a separate state of Biafra.

“The CNG has consistently warned against the dangers of allowing such movements to gain momentum and has called for a peaceful process for separation to prevent further bloodshed and anarchy in Nigeria.

“The Kaduna Declaration made by the CNG highlighted the need for the Igbo people to leave northern Nigeria and join their Biafran brethren in the East to pursue their dream of a separate nation.

“This declaration was a response to the violent and hateful rhetoric and actions of IPOB, which have targeted the state and other ethnic groups in Nigeria.

“The CNG has made several representations to the Nigerian government, the United Nations, and foreign diplomatic missions to draw attention to the escalating violence and threats posed by IPOB.

“The Coalition has called for international intervention to facilitate a peaceful separation and prevent the country from descending into another civil war.”

The CNG observed that Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, has been at the centre of a subversive campaign against the Nigerian State, adding that consequently, he was arrested on 14th October 2015 and charged to court for treasonable felony, among other crimes.

“He was granted bail by the Federal High Court, Abuja on 25th April 2017. He, however, breached the bail conditions and fled abroad.

“While in self-exile, Nnamdi Kanu intensified his subversive campaign, using online Radio Biafra to instigate violence and incite members of IPOB to commit violent attacks against civil and democratic institutions, particularly the security personnel, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and civilians mostly of Northern Nigerian extraction.

“He instigated the destruction of public and private properties across the country.

“As a result of these criminal activities, IPOB was proscribed and designated a terrorist organisation by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, in an order made on 20th September 2017.

“Despite the proscription of IPOB by the Federal Government, Nnamdi Kanu continued the subversive campaign, instigating and inciting broadcasts to direct members of the IPOB to launch attacks on the government.

“On 12th December 2020, Eastern Security Network” (ESN) was formed by Nnamdi Kanu as an armed wing of IPOB with the mandate to advance the nefarious agenda of the outlawed group.

“ESN continued to launch attacks on security personnel, civilians perceived as enemies as well as the destruction of private and public properties.

“In 2020 Nigeria found itself grappling with a protest. Beginning in October 2020, young men and women across many cities in Nigeria, mostly in the southern part of the country gathered, calling on the government to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian police force. Tagged #EndSARS, the protesters demand was clear as it was legitimate.

“The EndSARS protests which were peaceful and orderly however played into the sinister plans of Nnamdi Kanu, whereby he seized the protests through subversive and inciting online broadcasts and actively commanded and directed attacks and killings on prominent Nigerians whom he mentioned by their names including the current Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, northern citizens, security personnel and facilities.

“As a result of these broadcasts, members of IPOB attacked and killed more than 500 northerners living as minorities in the South East, security personnel and burnt down Police stations, correctional centres, INEC offices, bus terminals, the Palace of Oba of Lagos, Banks, hospitals, shopping malls, vehicles, assets owned by the President Tinubu amongst others.

“As a result of Kanu’s direct orders, 19 offices, 18 logistical vehicles, several election materials, equipment and ICT gadgets belonging to INEC were destroyed in Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo States. 164 police stations and formations, including the Police Headquarters in Owerri, Imo State, were attacked by IPOB/ESN members.

“Consequent upon the instigating directives of Nnamdi Kanu, members of IPOB/ESN carried out massive attacks on democratic institutions especially INEC Facilities with a view to hampering the democratic process in Nigeria.

“These attacks that were carried out between October 2020 and June 2021 include the following.

“One hundred and seventy-five (175) security personnel were killed by IPOB/ESN, comprising one hundred and twenty-eight (128) policemen, thirty-seven (37) military personnel and ten (10) other security operatives ; one hundred forty-four (144) injured while six hundred twenty-eight (628) vehicles were destroyed.

“The killing of prominent Nigerians; there were gruesome killings of traditional leaders: Obi 1 of Okwudor autonomous community, Eze E. Anayochukwu Durueburuo and Eze Sampson Osunwa of Ihebineowerre autonomous community as well as the killings of Dr Chike Akunyili and eight others as well as the killing of Alhaji Ahmed Gulak on 30th May. 2021).

“Three hundred and ninety-six (396) firearms and seventeen thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight (17,738) ammunition were carted away during the IPOB/ESN attacks;

“There were three (3) IPOB/ESN attacks on Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), including the Headquarters of NCoS, Owerri, Imo State where one thousand eight hundred and forty-one (1,841) inmates escaped;

“The Headquarters of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Umuahia, Abia State was also attacked by IPOB/ESN leading to the death of one (1) officer;

“There were several IPOB/ESN attacks and destruction (arson) of public and private properties during the EndSARS and Biafra agitations across the country, especially in the South-East and South-South regions, notably the Palace of the Oba of Lagos where twelve (12) flats were completely looted and vandalized, the country home of the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, was burnt, over one hundred and fifty (150) buses burnt at the Lagos Bus Terminal, Sen. Ndoma Egba’s home in Calabar Municipal, Cross River State, was completely looted and vandalized, Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, City Hall Race Course, First Bank Branch Lagos, Lagos State Public Works Commission, Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Marina, Lagos, High Court Igbosere, Lagos, were all burnt, amongst other heinous crimes committed.”

The CNG, therefore, said demand for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu is not only unjust but also counter-productive to the efforts to restore peace and order in the country.

“It is imperative for the government to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is duly served in order to prevent further escalation of the crisis and to promote reconciliation and healing among the various ethnic groups in Nigeria,” the statement said.