Afenifere Calls on President Tinubu to Release Nnamdi Kanu, Advocates for State Police
The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, citing concerns over his right to a fair trial.
In a communique issued after its general meeting on Tuesday in Isanya-Ogbo, Ogun State—presided over by its deputy leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan—the group stated that the legal proceedings surrounding Kanu’s case have become conflicting and controversial, making a fair trial impossible.
The statement, signed by Olaitan and Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, described Kanu as a political detainee and insisted that his continued detention without trial was unjustifiable.
A Call for Justice and National Reconciliation
According to Afenifere:
“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.”
“There is no justifiable reason to continue to keep him in detention without trial,” the communique further stated.
Dele Farotimi Appointed as Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary
The group also announced the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as its National Organising Secretary, reaffirming its commitment to restructuring and governance reforms.
Afenifere Reiterates the Call for State Police
In addition to its demand for Kanu’s release, Afenifere reiterated the urgent need for state policing, emphasizing that Nigeria’s vast population and territorial size cannot be effectively secured with a unitary police structure.
“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 cited the recent outcry of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over the increasing presence of bandits in his state as evidence of the urgent need for state police.
Afenifere maintained that constitutional restructuring was necessary to ensure the immediate institutionalization of state police, a move they believe would enhance security and governance across the country.