By Solomon OKPO
Abuja, Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the Federal Government to adopt a political resolution to the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), rather than continuing to pursue his prosecution in court.
Speaking on the broader context of insecurity and justice in the country, Falana criticized the government’s approach to handling Kanu’s detention while simultaneously negotiating with bandits and other criminal elements in parts of the country.
“For me, it’s a political case,” Falana stated. “If you have a situation where some governments are 
with bandits or other criminal elements, there can be no basis for not having that matter resolved politically.”
The senior advocate’s comments reflect growing calls from civil society groups, political leaders, and rights activists for a political solution to the long-standing crisis surrounding Kanu’s detention. Many argue that a negotiated settlement would foster national unity, reduce tensions, and promote reconciliation in the South-East region and beyond.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in 2021, with multiple court cases and adjournments surrounding charges related to treasonable felony and terrorism.
Falana’s remarks add weight to the ongoing national debate over the role of justice, fairness, and political pragmatism in addressing separatist agitations and security challenges across Nigeria.
