By Milcah Tanimu

In his recently launched book titled ‘Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023),’ Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, disclosed that the Buhari-led administration had the option to eliminate the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in Kenya but chose to arrest him instead.

Nnamdi Kanu has been a prominent figure advocating for a separate state of Biafra in the eastern parts of Nigeria, gathering a substantial following, particularly among young Igbo people.

During a meeting with a delegation of Igbo elders who sought Kanu’s release after his extraordinary rendition and subsequent detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja, Buhari reportedly revealed the government’s contemplation of eliminating Kanu.

“In the past six years, I have developed a system where in which I don’t interfere with the judiciary,” Adesina quoted Buhari as saying. “That was why in the case of Kanu, I said the best was to subject him to the system.”

Buhari emphasized the importance of allowing Kanu to present his case in court, preventing a negative global impression of the country. He added, “I feel it is a favour to give him (Kanu) that opportunity. The government could have mobilized to eliminate him where he was, but we did not do that.”

Following Kanu’s extradition from Kenya in June 2021, he faces trial for terrorism-related charges, including allegations of involvement in the murder of 60 individuals in the eastern region of Nigeria.