By Peter Omopo
The founder of the One Love Family, Satguru Maharaj Ji, says he is willing to assist in securing the release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on the condition that the Biafra radio operations and the sit-at-home directives in the South-East are brought to an end.
Maharaj Ji made the statement during an interview on his organisation’s in-house radio on Wednesday, where he also argued that Kanu was legally convicted based on the terrorism charges preferred against him.
According to the cleric, the offences for which Kanu was convicted ordinarily attract the death penalty, but “grace” and judicial discretion prevented that outcome.
“By the accusations, it is always going to be death, looking at the level of crimes attached to him. Anybody accused of terrorism is sentenced to death. It is only out of grace that Kanu was able to escape,” he said.
Maharaj Ji insisted that Kanu’s release can now only come through a political settlement, stressing that those advocating his release must also demonstrate willingness to address the underlying issues.
He outlined two key conditions:
- Shut down Biafra radio wherever it is operating.
- End the sit-at-home orders imposed in parts of the South-East.
“For anyone advocating for his pardon, they must not come with empty hands. The Biafra radio must stop. The sit-at-home order should be stopped. The judgment should be accepted while Igbo elders go behind the scenes to analyse and explain to the President,” he said.
He further claimed that President Bola Tinubu had repositioned the Igbo in national politics, a development he said had unsettled some northern political interests.
“When those are done, I know how to work it out. Kanu will come out. I will help facilitate his release,” he added.
Growing Political Efforts to Secure Kanu’s Freedom
Maharaj Ji’s comments come as more political and regional leaders intensify efforts to negotiate Kanu’s release. Among them are Abia State Governor Alex Otti, activist Omoyele Sowore, and several South-East elders who advocate for a political resolution rather than continued incarceration.
On Tuesday, Otti met with President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, shortly after visiting Kanu at the Sokoto prison facility where the IPOB leader is serving his sentence. The meeting is believed to be part of ongoing discussions aimed at securing a political settlement.
Kanu’s Sentencing
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court had earlier convicted Kanu on all seven terrorism-related charges. He handed down:
- Life imprisonment on counts one, two, four, five, and six.
- 20 years imprisonment on count three, without an option of fine.
- Five years imprisonment on count seven, also without an option of fine.
The reduced sentence, compared with the maximum penalty allowed under the law, has been attributed to judicial discretion applied by the court.
Maharaj Ji assured residents of the South-East that “all hope is not lost,” emphasising his willingness to intervene once the conditions he listed are met.
