…Bishop Opoko, Igbo youths kick
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The decision of the Federal Government to relocate the detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to Sokoto Prison following his conviction on all seven counts of terrorism by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, has triggered widespread outrage across Abia State and among pro-Igbo groups.
Many residents believe Kanu did not receive fair trial, while his transfer to Sokoto—an area plagued by heightened insecurity—has further inflamed public anger.
Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia Diocese, Archbishop Dr. Raphael Opoko, urged the Federal Government to “tread with caution” in handling the matter, warning that the move could endanger Kanu’s life.
Similarly, Igbo youth groups demanded Kanu’s immediate relocation back to Abuja or a safer facility, citing the volatile security situation in the North West.
“We believe this relocation endangers his life in a region currently susceptible to terrorist activities,” the youths said in a statement on Saturday.
A former lawmaker representing Aba South State Constituency, Hon. Obinna Ichita, blamed Kanu’s ordeals on what he described as the lack of unity and coordinated action among South East political leaders.
‘Relocation to Sokoto Dangerous’ — Archbishop Opoko
Archbishop Opoko, who is also Secretary of the Forum of Igbo Archbishops and Traditional Rulers, questioned the rationale behind transferring Kanu to a region grappling with severe security challenges.
He warned that any harm to Kanu in custody could have far-reaching consequences.
“When people die in such circumstances, you make them martyrs. You end up raising others even more determined. Nigeria must tread with caution,” he warned.
The cleric condemned the court verdict as “biased and premeditated,” recalling that he was present in court several times and never heard any testimony linking Kanu to the alleged U.S. embassy bombing referenced in the judgment.
“How did the judge manufacture that?” he queried.
Opoko argued that while government negotiates with armed bandits and grants amnesty to so-called repentant criminals, it is imprisoning “a freedom fighter for life.”
“We are making Nigeria a laughing stock. People are calling me from all over the world asking what kind of drama is happening here,” he lamented.
He appealed to South-East youths to remain calm and avoid violence, urging President Bola Tinubu to adopt a political solution to the Kanu issue.
COSEYL: FG must reverse relocation
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), in a statement by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, also condemned the relocation, insisting that the North West—particularly Sokoto—remains a hotspot for terror attacks.
The group cited the 2022 Kuje Prison attack as evidence of the vulnerability of correctional facilities.
“Placing Nnamdi Kanu in such a setting is dangerous and could have serious consequences for his safety and national security,” the group warned.
COSEYL advised the government to conduct a transparent security risk assessment before determining the detention location for any high-profile inmate.
‘Kanu is a victim of internal envy’ — Ichita
Hon. Ichita, in a separate statement, said Kanu’s situation exposed a “deep gap in collective leadership” among South East political elites.
He criticized South-East Governors and lawmakers for failing to unite and push for a political solution.
“Some leaders were comfortable using Nnamdi’s name for political visibility but could not stand firmly when it mattered most,” he said.
Ichita described Kanu as a “victim of internal envy,” arguing that his influence among the masses made some traditional political actors uncomfortable.
He wondered why the South-East Governors failed to fulfill their public promise to meet President Tinubu over Kanu’s matter.
The former lawmaker insisted that imprisoning Kanu will not resolve the long-standing grievances fueling agitation in the region.
“How does imprisoning one man resolve political issues affecting millions? Nigeria cannot rely solely on legal judgments to address deep-rooted problems,” he said.
Ichita called for sincere dialogue between the Federal Government and South-East leaders, stressing that Nigeria’s stability depends on meaningful engagement, not silence.
