Why Buhari stopped govt from killing Nnamdi Kanu – Femi Adesina

Femi Adesina, former spokesman to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has disclosed that Buhari played a pivotal role in preventing the elimination of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from his hideout.

Adesina unveiled this information in his new book, “Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023),” launched in Abuja last week.

According to the book, Buhari intervened to stop the potential elimination of Kanu by the government at the time.

During a meeting with an Igbo delegation known as ‘Highly-Respected Igbo Greats,’ Buhari reportedly shared his perspective, stating, “In the past six years, I have developed a system wherein I don’t interfere with the judiciary. That was why in the case of Kanu, I said the best was to subject him to the system.

“Let him make his case in court instead of giving a terrible impression of the country from outside. I feel it is a favour to give him (Kanu) that opportunity. Government could have mobilized to eliminate him where he was, but we did not do that.”

Adesina noted that Buhari regarded allowing Kanu’s extradition to Nigeria as a favor, emphasizing the importance of subjecting him to the judicial system.

In June 2021, Nnamdi Kanu was subjected to extraordinary rendition from Kenya to face trial for terrorism, following his violation of bail conditions and escape from Nigeria.