Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and director of Radio Biafra, has been released from Kuje Prison in Abuja after spending nearly two years in detention.
His release comes shortly after a Federal High Court in Abuja granted him bail earlier this week on stringent conditions, citing concerns over his deteriorating health.
A prison source confirmed to SaharaReporters that Kanu left the prison yard a few minutes ago after meeting his bail requirements. However, his co-defendants in the ongoing treason trial remain in custody.
The bail and subsequent release were reportedly the result of extensive negotiations involving several politicians and activists from Nigeria’s southeast geopolitical zone and senior officials within President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
According to one source close to the discussions, who requested anonymity, the negotiations were aimed at de-escalating the rising political tension stirred by renewed agitation for Biafran independence.
“The release is part of broader efforts to calm tensions and explore peaceful resolutions,” the source stated.
Prison officials revealed that the legal and administrative paperwork for Kanu’s release was completed earlier today by his legal team in collaboration with government representatives.
Upon his exit, Kanu was met with cheers and excitement from fellow inmates, many of whom sought personal favors from the separatist leader, who has grown even more popular during his prolonged incarceration.
Kanu, who is widely known for his inflammatory rhetoric against the Nigerian state — including referring to the country as a “zoo” and vowing to arm supporters for the secessionist cause — is expected to hold strategic meetings with sympathetic politicians and activists in the coming days. These discussions are anticipated to focus on the future of the Biafran movement.
As part of his bail conditions, Kanu is prohibited from granting media interviews or being in gatherings exceeding 10 individuals. These restrictions are seen as measures to curb further agitation and public unrest.
Despite the limitations placed upon him, observers believe Kanu’s release marks a significant turning point in Nigeria’s ongoing confrontation with separatist elements in the southeast.
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