The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a communique issued after its general meeting on Tuesday, held at the residence of Afenifere leader Ayo Adebanjo, the group stated that Kanu’s continued detention without trial is unjustified. The meeting was presided over by Deputy Leader Oba Oladipo Olaitan and the communique was jointly signed by him and the National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye.
Afenifere argued that the legal proceedings surrounding Kanu’s case have been controversial and conflicting, making a fair trial unlikely.
“It is clear that Nnamdi Kanu is indubitably a political detainee,” the statement read. “In the interest of justice and national reconciliation, Afenifere urges President Tinubu to release him forthwith.”
Additionally, the group approved the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as its National Organising Secretary.
On the issue of insecurity, Afenifere reiterated its long-standing call for the establishment of state police, arguing that Nigeria’s vast population and territorial size cannot be effectively secured under a unitary policing system.
“The current security structure is inadequate,” the communique stated, urging President Tinubu to take bold, positive, and ideological steps to ensure the protection of lives and property.
The group cited Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent lamentation over the infiltration of bandits into his state as an example of why state policing is necessary.