‘In the interest of our country’: CSO Urges Nigerians to Reject #FreeNnamdiKanu Protests

The Nigeria First Project Initiative has warned citizens against joining demonstrations demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The caution followed protests in Abuja on Monday, where demonstrators called for Kanu’s release, leading to disruptions in parts of the city.

Speaking during a press conference in Katsina, the group’s national coordinator, Hamza Saulawa, described the protests as politically motivated and dangerous to national security. He said the movement to free Kanu does not serve the interest of the country but rather threatens its peace and unity.

“We advise all patriotic Nigerians to shun the politically motivated and dubious #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in the interest of our country and its well-being, peace, sovereignty and prosperity,” Saulawa stated. He argued that Kanu’s past actions show he is likely to abscond if granted bail again, recalling that the IPOB leader fled the country after being granted bail in 2017.

Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his extradition from Kenya in June 2021. He faces terrorism-related charges and has repeatedly been denied bail by the court. Despite growing appeals for his release—especially from leaders in the south-east—authorities have resisted the calls, citing concerns about national security and the risk of renewed unrest.

Kanu’s legal team has continued to press for his release, claiming that his health has deteriorated while in detention. However, the court has consistently declined requests to allow him medical treatment outside DSS custody.