Igbo religious leaders warn UK, Nigeria over Kanu detention as breakup talks loom
Igbo religious leaders under the Concerned Igbo Ministers warned the British and Nigerian governments on Sunday to release Nnamdi Kanu and heed his call for a Biafra referendum, citing ongoing talks among Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on independence referendums that could break up the United Kingdom. The statement, signed by Rev. Tony Uzor Anthony, said the unrest in the UK is a direct consequence of Britain’s alliance with Nigeria to keep Kanu detained in Sokoto prison on terrorism charges.
They declared that until Kanu is freed, both nations will continue to convulse in their pains, describing his incarceration as the holding of a living covenant that will not leave Nigeria or Britain unshaken. The Igbo Christian leaders warned that the year ahead will not be merciful to those who persist in detaining the man whom they believe God has raised.
Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is serving a life sentence after conviction on terrorism charges. The religious leaders demand his immediate release and a referendum on Biafra, framing the issue as spiritual and political. Will the governments heed this warning and free Kanu, or risk further instability in both Nigeria and the UK?