Gumi Sets Condition for Kanu’s Pardon

Renowned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has publicly stated that he would champion the cause for Nnamdi Kanu’s pardoning if the jailed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were to demonstrate genuine remorse. Gumi’s position links his support for Kanu’s release directly to an acknowledgment of wrongdoing by the separatist leader.

The prominent cleric made his comments on Tuesday during an appearance on the Channels Television program, The Morning Brief, which was widely monitored across the country.

Gumi’s statement follows the recent legal development in Kanu’s case. Barely a week ago, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment after convicting him on all seven counts of terrorism filed by the Federal Government.

Kanu, who had been on trial for years, was subsequently transferred to Sokoto Prison to begin serving his sentence.

Gumi’s conditional offer for advocacy is based purely on a behavioral change from the IPOB leader. The cleric emphasized that Kanu’s current incarceration is due to charges of terrorism and for allegedly threatening the lives of military personnel.

“If Nnamdi Kanu, who is in prison for terrorism and threatening to kill our soldiers, shows remorse and calls for peace, I will be at the forefront in calling for his pardoning and amnesty for him,” Gumi affirmed.

The statement suggests that Gumi views the conflict surrounding Kanu less as a political fight and more as a matter requiring ethical accountability and a public commitment to peace. His willingness to advocate for amnesty, provided the condition is met, positions him as a potential intermediary in the long-running legal and security saga.