Orji Uzor Kalu: I Warned Nnamdi Kanu Against Bearing Arms After Securing Bail

Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has opened up on his personal involvement in the case of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Speaking to journalists, Kalu described the matter as personal, citing his longstanding relationship with Kanu’s family. He recounted visiting Kanu’s parents and holding discussions with them, as well as with former President Muhammadu Buhari concerning Kanu’s bail.

According to Kalu, he played a direct role in securing bail for Kanu at the time and later visited him in custody to offer advice. He revealed that he cautioned Kanu to avoid militarising his movement.

“I warned him, I said once you get this bail, don’t carry arms, don’t show uniform, don’t do all these things,” Kalu said. He advised Kanu to let his second-in-command continue the agitation using non-violent means. However, Kalu expressed disappointment that his warnings were disregarded.

The senator revealed that after Kanu’s re-arrest and return from Kenya, he was the first person to visit him at the DSS facility. Despite criticisms from Kanu’s legal team, Kalu maintained that national unity and due process must be upheld.

He reiterated his confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary and stressed the need to allow the courts to determine the case. Kalu also stated that President Bola Tinubu is aware of the situation and is waiting on the judiciary’s ruling before taking any action regarding Kanu’s case.