Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, in an indirect message to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group, on Tuesday, asked Kanu to show remorse in prison to earn a push for a pardon from him.
The IPOB leader was jailed for life recently and many debates have emanated as a result of the ruling.
Kanu was convicted on terrorism-related charges by a federal court on 20 November 2025 and sentenced to life in prison. Some leaders have asked for mercy and others are saying the law must run its course.
Gumi said that Kanu was imprisoned for terrorism for agitating that Nigerian 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 added: “Look, Shagari, our president, we are from the same town. Shagari 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.”
Lawmakers from the South-East echoed calls for a political solution. “After extensive deliberation, the caucus resolved to humbly appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria … to consider a political and humanitarian intervention, using the constitutional powers granted under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, to grant pardon to Mazi Kanu,” the South-East House caucus said in a communique.
Prosecutors had sought the death penalty at trial, arguing Kanu’s broadcasts and orders helped cause deaths and attacks in the region.
The discussion now shifts to the presidency, and it remains to be seen if Kanu shows the remorse Gumi demands to earn the cleric's support or if the presidency will consider the calls for his pardon.
