Residents of the South-East have firmly opposed the request by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to transfer his trial to the region, citing serious security risks.
Speaking to NN News Media, several residents expressed concerns that relocating Kanu’s trial would reignite unrest in the region. They highlighted the lingering impacts of IPOB’s previous activities, such as enforced sit-at-home orders, which disrupted businesses and daily life.
“We are still recovering from the threats posed by IPOB and ESN [Eastern Security Network]. Transferring his trial here could bring back the chaos we worked so hard to overcome,” said one respondent.
Local business owners also voiced strong opposition to the move. They urged South-East leaders to prevent any developments that could jeopardize the region’s fragile peace. “We are finally enjoying some stability, and we pray for lasting peace across the region,” one businesswoman stated.
Residents further warned of potential prison breaks or renewed sit-at-home protests if Kanu’s case is brought to the South-East. “This is what will happen if his trial is transferred here, and we absolutely do not want that,” another resident added.
Kanu’s legal team, led by Aloy Ejimakor, recently issued a statement demanding the trial be moved from Abuja if no judge at the Federal High Court there is willing to handle the case apart from Justice Binta Nyako. The statement suggested alternative locations within the former Eastern Region, including Umuahia, Awka, Enugu, Asaba, or Port Harcourt, where the alleged offenses were said to have occurred or had significant impact.
However, South-East residents have urged Kanu to remain in Abuja while the Federal High Court assigns his case to another judge, stressing that the region cannot afford another period of instability.
