Nigerian Government Cannot Be Prosecuting Nnamdi Kanu While Entering Peace Deals With Bandit Leaders – Lawyer Omirhobo

 Human rights lawyer, Malcolm Omirhobo, has faulted the Federal Government’s handling of security and justice, arguing that it is contradictory to prosecute Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu while simultaneously negotiating peace with notorious bandit leaders.

Speaking in reaction to reports of wanted bandit kingpins entering peace agreements with authorities in Katsina State, Omirhobo said the government’s actions amount to double standards that undermine justice and fairness in Nigeria.

According to him, Kanu—who is facing terrorism and treasonable felony charges—remains in detention, while armed groups responsible for killings, kidnappings, and mass displacements in the North are being offered amnesty and platforms to negotiate.

“You cannot be keeping Nnamdi Kanu in prison and calling him a terrorist, while at the same time shaking hands and entering peace deals with bandits carrying AK-47s. It exposes bias and raises serious questions about equality before the law,” Omirhobo said.

He stressed that the rule of law must be applied uniformly, warning that selective justice risks fueling further ethnic and regional distrust in the country.

Kanu has been in DSS custody since 2021 after his arrest and extraordinary rendition to Nigeria, while his trial is ongoing at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Meanwhile, Northern state governments have frequently pursued dialogue with bandit groups, citing it as a strategy to restore peace in troubled communities.

Omirhobo’s remarks add to growing debates about the government’s approach to insecurity, justice, and national unity.