A Discourse on Nnamdi Kanu’s Arrest

A little over a month ago, President Buhari stated that those who were causing mayhem in the country “will be treated in the language they understand.”

A month later, Nnamdi Kanu the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra has been rearrested and extradited to Nigeria. This was made public on Tuesday the 29th of July 2021 by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami. Read more about it here.

The Attorney General revealed that Nnamdi Kanu will face trial at the Abuja Federal High Court for charges such as; terrorism, treason, felony, unlawful possession of firearms amidst others. Some of these charges are associated with capital punishment. Will his followers sit back and watch this unfold or will this throw the country into a state of unrest?

Kanu was first arrested but in 2017 he fled the country after being granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja. Though he fled the country, Mr Nnamdi Kanu remained relevant and has gathered a large number of followers that heed his declarations. He uses platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Radio Biafra to pass across his instructions and criticize the Nigerian government. 

Under his command, a sit at home in honour of all Igbos who died in the Nigerian civil war was massively obeyed in the eastern states. This shows the magnitude of his influence  Also, under his command, Eastern Security Network (ESN) was formed to protect the east, but the group has been declared unlawful by the Nigerian government and has led to controversies in eastern Nigeria.

He has been vocal against the Nigerian government and has continuously called for the separation of the Igbos from Nigeria. He has a large number of followers and under his leadership, IPOB was declared a harmful organisation by the Nigerian government. 

There is a divide in opinions concerning Nnamdi Kanu. To some Nigerians, his methods are extreme and he was a namby-pamby who gave orders while he and his family stayed safe from the conflict he incited.

However, his supporters who are majorly Igbos adore and consider him as their messiah who would liberate them and make Biafra a reality. Therefore, his arrest is a dicey situation that could bring about unforeseen consequences.

If his supporters decide to create havoc over his arrest, the country that is already in a volatile state might become extremely unsafe. Hopefully, caution will not be thrown to the wind in dealing with this situation.

ALSO READ: South Africa Ex-President has been Sentenced to Prison

ALSO READ: DSS arrests suspected killers of UNILORIN student who was raped to death