To Nnamdi Kanu: Welcome Back To The Zoo

Congratulations to Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a Federal High court in Abuja just granted him bail. The presiding Judge, Binta Nyako, gave the order to allow Mr. Kanu attend to his ailing health condition. It would be recalled that Kanu, alongside other three pro-Biafra agitators, has been facing trial for treasonable offences. Although, the conditions of the bail are kind of stringent; however, it should not be difficult for the indefatigable IPOB leader to meet them.

Kanu is expected to provide three sureties. One of the sureties must be a senior and highly recognized Nigerian of Igbo descent. The second surety must be a highly recognized believer in Judaism. The third surety must be resident with landed property in Abuja. Also, the sureties are to deposit their international passports with the court till conclusion of trials. Kanu must not grant interview, must not be in a crowd exceeding 10 people, and must not hold rallies. Kanu's health report also should be made available to the court monthly.

Over the period of Kanu’s incarceration, he had been able to gain so much sympathy especially from those high and mighty within the political landscape of Nigeria who believe the self-acclaimed IPOB leader is just been kept behind bars unjustly by the Federal Government. The Imo state Governor Rochas Okorocha sometimes last month called on the FG to consider the release of Kanu who attributed his behavior to “youthful exuberance” and said his continued detention is an unnecessary distraction. He also hinted about the move of some South-East leaders making a move towards his release.

Before now, series of protests had been held by some of his huge followers in the South-Eastern part of the country, the outcome of some which results into violence and sometimes, loss of lives of these people. Some concerned Nigerians and advocacy groups also had organized protests on his behalf clamoring for his release. Mr. Kanu was arrested in October 2015 and has been held in prison since then, despite various court orders that ruled in his favor for his release.

It would be recalled that Nnamdi Kanu openly admitted to calling Nigeria a zoo. He confirmed in the statement with Sahara Reporters interview, dated October 24, 2015, that he made the comments, calling Nigeria a zoo to justify his belief that the only language its people understood was violence. I therefore, use this opportunity to welcome Mr. Kanu back into his acclaimed Zoo!