Mazi Nnamdi Kanugoogle photos

I’m Not Responsible For Violence in South-East — IPOB Leader, Kanu

Claims that the situation had persisted in the zone because some members of the government were involved.

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Tuesday, dissociated himself from the current unrest in the Southeast, warning that those responsible for recurring destruction of lives and properties in the name of IPOB would not go unpunished.

A clearly agitated Kanu, who talked with media personel inside the courthouse shortly after the proceedings ended, claimed that the situation had persisted in the zone because some members of the government were involved.

He said that if he was free, no one would issue an injunction prohibiting people from conducting their legitimate businesses on Mondays.

Since Kanu's arrest and detention, residents in the region have been obliged to observe a sit-at-home every Monday, especially while Kanu was being taken to court.

He said, “Anybody committing crime cannot go free. I swear it. Anybody committing crime in the east cannot go free. They are doing it because they know I am in DSS custody. ''Let me come out of this mess, in only two minutes there will be peace in the East for anyone involved in any form of violence in the name of IPOB'' he said.

Meanwhile, some Southeast House of Representatives members, led by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, described Kanu's bail application rejection as another big setback to the region's healing effort and return to peace.

Legislators, including Hon Obi Aguocha and the leader of the opposition party, expressed sadness over the rejection of the bail application, saying it would have started a healing process in the region if granted.

Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato South and North in the House, urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to utilise the relevant section of the Constitution to end the Kanu trial.