In order to discuss Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release from custody, President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, National Security Adviser (NSA) Babagana Monguno, and Service Chiefs convened. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is the incarcerated leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
On Thursday, it had been reported that the Abuja Court of Plea had sustained Kanu’s appeal and ordered his release.
The National Security Council (NSC), which met on Friday, supported the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, who clarified that Kanu’s release was not the same as an acquittal and said that it was “considering the appropriate action to be taken” regarding the recent release of the IPOB leader.
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This was revealed to State House reporters by Minister of Police Affairs Mohammed Dingyadi immediately after the NSC meeting Buhari presided over in the Aso Rock Villa.
Kanu was simply dismissed, according to Dingyadi, who spoke alongside Rauf Aregbesola, his counterpart in the Ministry of the Interior. He also indicated that the Federal Government would look into alternative legal options to pursue the matter.
He did observe that the council did not go through a potential political avenue that Malami had brought up in November.
He said that the council just addressed the decision of the Appeal Court, adding that solutions to such issues might be taken into consideration as long as they were not pending litigation.
However, Dr. Umar Gwandu, who serves as the AGF’s spokeswoman, claimed in a statement that “Kanu was just released and not acquitted. As a result, the necessary legal measures available to the authorities will be used and disclosed to the public as required.
The Federal Government was investigating other options, according to Dingyadi, who spoke to newsmen and echoed the AGF’s position.
“The Kanu matter has also been brought up. The Council was informed of the situation and it was noted that Kanu had been released but had not been found guilty.
Therefore, the minister said, “The government is thinking through the right course of action to be taken on the situation and Nigerians will be made aware of the stance that will ultimately be taken on the topic in due course.”
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The meeting on Friday was attended by Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retired), National Security Adviser, and Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to the President.
