A House of Representatives ad hoc committee on Thursday demanded the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The lower legislative chamber set up the committee to find out the causes of insecurity in some communities of Isuikwuato and Umunneochi local government area of Abia State and proffer solutions.
Kanu, who was brought back to the country in June 2021, is currently standing trial for alleged treason and terrorism at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Leaders from the South-East had in a meeting with former President Muhammadu Buhari last year appealed for an unconditional release of the activist.
The Court of Appeal, Abuja, in October of the same year discharged Kanu on the terrorism charges and declared his extradition from Kenya illegal.
The Federal Government later appealed the ruling and filed a stay of execution of the judgement at the Supreme Court
The government had since filed an amended charge against the IPOB leader at the FHC.
The chairman of the committee, Obinna Aguocha, who spoke at a sitting in Abuja, said Kanu’s release would ensure restoration of peace in the South-East.
He urged leaders in the South-East to come together and find a lasting solution to the problem.
Aguocha said: “The desire of the people of South-East to enjoy absolute peace, reduction of crime and criminality and investment in meaningful infrastructure, among others starts with the government’s recognition of the rule of law, justice, and equitable inclusion of the zone in the project Nigeria and the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from unlawful detention.
“This in particular will go a long way to ensure lasting peace and security in the entire region. As leaders and stakeholders, it is incumbent upon us to come together to find sustainable solutions that will quell these threats and pave the way for a brighter future.”