Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has broken his silence on the life imprisonment sentence of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, setting a specific condition that must be met before he would advocate for the separatist leader's release.
Gumi's Demand for Remorse and Peace
During an exclusive interview on Channels Television, Sheikh Gumi stated that Nnamdi Kanu must demonstrate genuine remorse and actively call for peace before he would lead efforts for presidential pardon and amnesty. The cleric specifically referenced Kanu's previous calls for violence against Nigerian soldiers as a primary concern that needs addressing.
"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 for calling for his pardon and amnesty for him," Gumi declared during the television appearance that has since gone viral.
Political Developments and Lawmaker Intervention
The religious leader's comments come amid significant political developments concerning Kanu's case. The South-East caucus in the House of Representatives has formally resolved to appeal directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for clemency on behalf of the imprisoned IPOB leader.
This parliamentary intervention follows the November 20, 2025, ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja that sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges. The judgment has sparked widespread reactions across the political spectrum, with various stakeholders weighing in on the controversial case.
Public Reactions and Social Media Response
Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to Sheikh Gumi's conditional offer of support. On social media platforms, user @Albashsolution urged the cleric to "do good without collateral," suggesting that Gumi should advocate for Kanu's release regardless of the IPOB leader's stance.
Another commenter, @Dannymasterp, highlighted what they described as "the greatest tragedy about the southeast insurgency under Kanu Leadership," noting that the separatist leader has consistently rejected peace deals and continued inflammatory rhetoric even during court proceedings.
Meanwhile, analyst Donald Okwuosa has provided insights into potential pathways for Kanu's release, explaining what South-East political leaders could do to secure the IPOB leader's freedom through proper channels and diplomatic engagement with the federal government.
The ongoing developments surrounding Nnamdi Kanu's imprisonment continue to generate significant national attention, with religious leaders, politicians, and citizens alike contributing to the complex dialogue about justice, reconciliation, and national unity in Nigeria.
