Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has hinted that the long-awaited release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, may happen soon.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, October 3, after a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, Otti said the President is “positively inclined” to granting Kanu’s release.
“I can assure you that I am in talks with Mr President. He is positively inclined towards it, and I think that very soon, Nnamdi Kanu will be a free man again,” Otti stated.
The Abia governor expressed confidence in Tinubu’s sincerity, describing him as a man who keeps his word.
“Mr President and I have known each other for decades. Whatever he says he will do, he does. Having given his word, I believe he will fulfil it,” Otti added.
President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, also urged residents of the South-East to remain peaceful and law-abiding while political leaders explore a lasting solution to regional tensions.
Umahi said that governors, senators, and ministers from the South-East are already working with the President to achieve a political resolution that would pave the way for peace and stability in the region.
Kanu has been in Department of State Services (DSS) custody since June 2021, following his extradition from Kenya. He is currently facing terrorism-related charges. Despite multiple appeals from political and religious leaders, courts have repeatedly denied his bail applications.
Analysts believe Otti’s latest statement may signal growing political momentum towards resolving the IPOB issue through dialogue rather than continued detention.
