The founder of the One Love Family, Satguru Maharaj Ji, has pledged to work toward the release of the incarcerated IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, if supporters end both the Biafra radio broadcast and the sit-at-home directive.
Maharaj Ji made the remarks during an interview on his temple’s internal radio station on Wednesday.
He argued that Kanu was responsible for the terrorism allegations brought against him and that such offences under the law could attract the death penalty.
He stated, “We are, however, grateful that the matter has been put on hold in the sense that, by the accusations, it is always going to be death, looking at the level of crimes attached to him, with the way and manner the constitution is written. Anybody who is accused of doing such a thing (terrorism) is sentenced to death. It is only out of grace that Kanu was able to escape.”
Maharaj Ji added that resolving the case would require a political solution rather than further legal battles.
He insisted that those calling for Kanu’s release must demonstrate commitment by halting activities that provoke unrest.
“So now it has to be by political settlement before he (Kanu) can be released, and it will be addressed in so many ways. For anyone advocating for his pardon, they have to take positive steps. In other words, they must not do so with empty hands; they should stop the Biafra radio wherever it is. Secondly, the sit-at-home order should be stopped, and the judgment should be accepted while the Igbo elders go behind the scenes to analyse and explain to the President.”
He also referenced the current political landscape, noting dissatisfaction from some northern elements.
“Today, the Igbos have been brought to the central realms of politics by Tinubu. And the Northern caliphate is not happy about it. They are not excited about the commission they were given…They should stop the propaganda that the East is about to be Islamised. When those are done, I know how to watch it out, Kanu will come out. I will help facilitate his release.“
His comments come as South-East leaders, including Abia State Governor, Alex Otti and activist Omoyele Sowore, intensify efforts to secure Kanu’s release through political channels.
Maharaj Ji assured residents that “all hope is not lost.”
On Tuesday, Governor Otti met with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Villa after previously visiting Kanu at the Sokoto correctional facility, where he is serving his sentence.
The meeting is believed to be part of wider negotiations aimed at achieving Kanu’s freedom.
Kanu was recently sentenced to life imprisonment for terrorism offences after Justice James Omotosho convicted him on all seven counts. The court handed life terms on counts one, two, four, five, and six; 20 years on count three; and five years on count seven, all without an option of fine.
