Abia State Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed that efforts are actively ongoing to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following his recent sentencing by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Otti revealed that the initiative to secure Kanu’s freedom began while the IPOB leader’s trial was still in progress.
Earlier on Thursday, the Federal High Court delivered a life sentence to Nnamdi Kanu after finding him guilty of multiple terrorism-related charges. Justice James Omotosho ruled that Kanu was responsible for inciting unrest, being a member of a proscribed organisation, and issuing threats against both Nigerian and international interests.
Reacting through a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti noted, “While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is free to appeal his conviction, I am pleased to inform you that I have activated, and will continue to implement, the agreed strategy until his freedom is secured.”
He explained that he had also updated relevant national authorities about the key resolutions made during his earlier meeting with Kanu while he was detained at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja.
Otti strongly criticised the early handling of IPOB-related tensions, arguing that the situation escalated due to poor management. He maintained that sustained peace efforts and political solutions would be vital to resolving the long-standing dispute.
According to him, “The poor management of the IPOB issue in its early stages created the challenges we face today. We cannot allow it to fester and escalate into a larger, more dangerous crisis.”
He also warned against opportunistic political manoeuvring around Kanu’s case, urging leaders to prioritise meaningful action instead of exploiting rising public emotions for personal gain. As he stated, “I urge those seeking to play petty politics with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s plight to abandon that approach and instead work with us to secure his freedom.”
Otti added that he remains open to collaborating with sincere individuals and groups seeking a peaceful and enduring solution. He emphasised that dialogue with the Federal Government—despite not being responsible for the origins of the crisis—remains the most effective approach.
The governor further lamented the emotional burden the case has placed on the people of Abia and neighbouring regions. He referenced the September 2017 military operation at Kanu’s residence, which led to destruction and casualties, stressing, “I strongly condemned that avoidable act and appealed that dialogue be pursued as the most effective means to resolve the IPOB issue.”
What You Should Know
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed IPOB movement, was recently sentenced to life imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Abuja after being convicted on terrorism-related charges.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has activated political and diplomatic steps aimed at securing his release, stressing that dialogue—not force—is the most effective long-term solution.
The case has stirred widespread concern, especially in the South-East, where Kanu commands significant influence, and discussions about his fate continue to shape political and social discourse across the region.
