Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi says he is willing to lead calls for the release of the convicted Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, if Kanu expresses remorse and makes a renewed appeal for peace.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Gumi argued that a non-kinetic approach to insecurity remains the most effective strategy for Nigeria. He maintained that granting amnesty has been used in the past to de-escalate conflicts, citing former Presidents Shehu Shagari and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who extended pardons to Emeka Ojukwu and Niger Delta militants respectively.
“Kanu was jailed for terrorism after urging violence against soldiers. If he shows remorse and calls for peace, I will stand at the forefront of those advocating his pardon,” Gumi said.
Kanu was recently convicted on seven counts of terrorism by the Federal High Court in Abuja and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Gumi further criticized Nigeria’s continued reliance on military force to address insurgency, noting that global powers have also struggled with similar conflicts. According to him, various armed groups — from Fulani herders to Niger Delta militants — have at different times responded positively when engaged in dialogue.
He questioned whether groups like IPOB or Boko Haram could still be brought to the negotiation table but insisted he supports any individual or group willing to cease hostilities.
The cleric’s remarks come amid renewed concerns over rising insecurity, including mass abductions of schoolchildren and worshippers in recent weeks. While President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to intensify efforts against the perpetrators, critics have faulted the government’s approach as insufficient.
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