Entrepreneur Chigozie Nnabugwu says killing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu would restore peace in the South-East, a statement that has sparked widespread controversy.
Businessman Chigozie Nnabugwu Urges Nigerian Government to 'Kill Nnamdi Kanu to Restore Peace in the South-East'
Entrepreneur Chigozie Nnabugwu has sparked controversy after calling on the Nigerian government to execute the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, claiming that such a move would restore normalcy in the South-East.
Nnabugwu made the remarks during an appearance on News Central TV's Breakfast Xtra programme.
According to him, insecurity in the South-East has reduced significantly since the arrests of key separatist figures, arguing that Kanu's death would further restore peace in the region.
"The time they arrested Nnamdi Kanu, it was like up and down. The time they arrested Simon Ekpa, it reduced by about 50 per cent. The time Nnamdi Kanu was convicted, it reduced to about 10 per cent. That's what we are battling now."
He further stated:
"If Nnamdi Kanu is dead today, if the government of Nigeria will kill Nnamdi Kanu, trust me, normalcy will start coming. That's all every Igbo man prays for."
Nnabugwu also argued that military operations alone would not end the violence in the South-East. He called on community leaders, religious organisations and intellectuals to educate the public and counter what he described as misinformation and hate speech.
"I want all these organisations in Nigeria, the Catholic bishops, Pentecostal pastors and educated people, to come on air and educate our people on the consequences of what we are doing. That is the only way to achieve this."
He added that while the military had made significant efforts, lasting peace would require public awareness and support from local communities.
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in detention since his extradition from Kenya to Nigeria in 2021. In November 2025, he was convicted on terrorism-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. He is currently serving his sentence at a Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Sokoto.
