The family of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has expressed disappointment over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s failure to honour an alleged agreement made before the 2023 general elections.
Prince Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, claimed that a meeting was arranged with Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, with his father’s approval, to discuss Kanu’s release.
In a statement, Prince Emmanuel recounted, “Before the last election, I received a message from an ex-governor that Seyi, the son of President Tinubu, wanted to see me. I agreed to meet with him on the condition that the overriding priority and hence the fulcrum of our discussion will be the release of my brother.”
He confirmed that the meeting, held in Abuja, was authorized by the President. Seyi Tinubu allegedly assured him that any agreement reached would be binding on his father, the then-presidential candidate. This understanding was communicated to Nnamdi Kanu, who agreed not to interfere with the elections or call for a boycott, a decision consistent with IPOB’s democratic principles. “Seyi confirmed to me that his father sanctioned the meeting and that I should consider any agreement we reach as binding on the then-candidate Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated.
Prince Emmanuel further noted that President Tinubu, during his campaign visit to Owerri, reiterated his promise to facilitate Kanu’s release if elected. However, nearly two years into his presidency, Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention despite legal rulings in his favour.
The Appeal Court had discharged Kanu of all charges and ordered his release, a directive ignored by the previous administration. Additionally, Justice Binta Nyako recused herself from the case months ago, leaving the matter unresolved. Criticizing the government’s inaction, Prince Emmanuel stated, “It’s a shame that those who claim to be men of honour cannot honour their word.”
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