The family of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has claimed to have struck a deal with President Bola Tinubu for the release of the Biafra agitator. According to Kanu’s brother, Kanunta, this agreement was made during the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election.
Kanunta revealed in a recent statement that he had met with President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, to discuss the release of Nnamdi Kanu. The meeting, which Kanunta said was sanctioned by the President, allegedly laid the groundwork for a commitment to release Kanu in exchange for IPOB’s non-interference in the election.
“Before the last election, I received a message from an ex-governor that Seyi, the son of President Tinubu, wanted to see me,” Kanunta began, describing the initial contact. “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.”
The meeting took place in Abuja and was attended by an independent witness who could verify the discussions. Kanunta emphasized that during the talks, Seyi confirmed that the agreement had the backing of his father. “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,” Kanunta stated.
Kanunta further revealed that the understanding was clear: IPOB would not disrupt the elections through a boycott or any other form of protest in exchange for Kanu’s release. “In good faith we agreed that I shall relay the outcome to my brother to reinforce the long-held tradition of IPOB not interfering with the conduct of elections,” Kanunta explained.
He also noted that Kanu had confirmed his commitment to this understanding, reaffirming that he would not call for any election boycott. “This understanding was duly communicated to my brother, and he reaffirmed his commitment not to stop the elections or order any boycott,” Kanunta said.
Kanunta pointed out that President Tinubu had also made a public commitment during his campaign. When Tinubu visited Owerri, he reiterated his promise to facilitate Kanu’s release if elected. “When President Tinubu as a candidate visited Owerri during his campaign, he too reiterated his commitment to facilitate the release of my brother if elected,” Kanunta recalled.
Despite the promises made, Kanunta expressed frustration that President Tinubu has failed to honor the agreement, with Kanu still in detention nearly two years after Tinubu assumed office. “It’s been over three months now that Justice Binta Nyako recused herself from the case yet no new judge has been assigned the case,” he lamented, emphasizing the prolonged delay.
