The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, amidst his legal battle and denial of bail by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja, has alleged that certain government officials are capitalizing on the pervasive insecurity in the South-East region for personal gain. Kanu voiced his suspicions to reporters on Tuesday, asserting that the restoration of peace in the South-East hinges on his release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). He suggested that his absence from confinement would swiftly quell the ongoing unrest, implying complicity of some officials in exacerbating the situation for financial benefits.
Kanu, who has been held by the DSS since his extradition in June 2021 on charges related to treasonable felony, further lamented his treatment by the secret police, alleging a conspiracy to orchestrate his demise while in custody. Over the past three years, the South-East has been plagued by relentless attacks perpetrated by “unknown gunmen,” resulting in the loss of lives, destruction of security infrastructure, and economic downturn in states such as Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Imo, and Enugu. The region has grappled with the disruptive impact of the Monday sit-at-home protests declared by secessionist groups, exacerbating the already precarious situation. Despite efforts by regional leaders to find a political resolution, the pervasive fear among residents and travelers persists due to the escalating violence orchestrated by non-state actors.
