Release Nnamdi Kanu or Arrest Sheikh Gumi, Primate Ayodele Tells FG

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Elijah Ayodele, has called on the Federal Government to release detained Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu, or apply the same standard to Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi.

Primate Ayodele made the remarks while addressing members of his congregation in a video that circulated online on Saturday.

The cleric argued that the government must demonstrate fairness and consistency in its handling of individuals linked to controversial national issues. According to him, Nigerians would have greater confidence in the government if it applied the same approach to all persons regardless of religion, ethnicity or background.

“The Nigerian government should release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Since you keep Kanu in prison, why can’t you keep Sheikh Gumi in prison too?” Ayodele said.

He questioned what he described as an imbalance in the treatment of the two figures, maintaining that the government’s actions could influence public perception of its commitment to justice and fairness.

“You keep Nnamdi Kanu but Gumi is free. Then, how do you want to now manage the government,” he stated.

The cleric further suggested that the government should either release Kanu or take similar action against Gumi if it wishes to convince Nigerians that it is acting impartially.

“If Nnamdi Kanu is there, then go and take Gumi. Then Nigerians will believe that the government is serious,” he said.

Ayodele also warned that dissatisfaction over issues of perceived injustice could fuel public protests against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Protest will seize this Tinubu government,” he added.

Kanu’s detention has remained a contentious issue in Nigeria, attracting reactions from political leaders, religious figures, civil society groups and supporters of the IPOB movement. Calls for his release have continued from various quarters, particularly from groups advocating dialogue and reconciliation.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Gumi has also been a subject of public debate due to his comments and engagements relating to insecurity and armed groups in parts of the country.

The Federal Government has not officially responded to Ayodele’s latest remarks. However, his comments are likely to generate fresh discussions on justice, security and national unity in Nigeria.