Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi says he is ready to champion the release of the jailed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu — but only if Kanu shows remorse.
Kanu, who was convicted on seven terrorism charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja, has been in government custody for years.
Gumi told Channels Television on Tuesday that a sincere change of tone from the IPOB leader would earn his full support.
Gumi cites past presidential pardons
He referenced past leaders who granted amnesty despite deep national wounds.
He said: “Shagari, our president… gave amnesty to Ojukwu. Look at Umar Yar’Adua; he gave amnesty to the Niger Delta militants, who have also committed acts of terrorism. So, this is how we are.”
Gumi maintained that Nigeria has a long history of using forgiveness to heal conflicts
“This Kanu that was imprisoned for terrorism for agitating that our soldiers should be killed, if this same Kanu now will show remorse and also call for peace, honestly, I will be in the forefront in calling for his pardon and amnesty for him,” he said on The Morning Brief.
Cleric pushes for non-kinetic solutions
The Kaduna-based cleric has long argued that dialogue is more effective than force in tackling insecurity, especially in the North.
He questioned why the government insists on military action when some armed groups are willing to lay down their weapons.
“Even America could not succeed in Afghanistan, even Israel could not succeed in a small strip of land,” he said.
He insisted that Nigeria’s military is not built for prolonged guerrilla warfare.
Gumi questions who is open to peace talks
According to him, Fulani herders have been showing readiness for peace when engaged, even if they appear armed for safety reasons.
He asked whether similar dialogue is possible with IPOB or Boko Haram, noting that earlier peace efforts with extremist groups became more difficult over time.
“So, anybody who inclines to peace. I’m with him, I’m telling you,” he added.
Rising insecurity fuels national concern
Gumi’s comments come amid a spike in nationwide insecurity, with mass abductions of students and worshippers reported across several states in recent weeks.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to pursue the attackers aggressively.
But opposition figures say the response remains inadequate, adding to public anxiety over safety.
