Extraditing Nnamdi Kanu was a favour, we'd option to eliminate him - Buhari

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Former President Muhammadu Buhari has been quoted as saying that government had the option of eliminating Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at his hideout, but chose to bring back home to face trial.

In the ‘Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023)’, a new book unveiled in Abuja last week by Femi Adesina, Buhari’s former spokesperson, the ex-president insisted that option of bringing back the IPOB leader was, indeed, a favour.

Adesina also wrote that former president was addressing Highly-Respected Igbo Greats, led by Mbazulike Ameachi, a first republic minister of aviation, who were pleading with him to release Kanu.

Quoting Buhari, “In the past six years, I have developed a system in which I don’t interfere with the judiciary.

“Let him make his case in court instead of giving a terrible impression of the country from outside. That was why in the case of Kanu, I said the best was to subject him to the system.

“I feel it is a favour to give him (Kanu) that opportunity. Government could have mobilized to eliminate him where he was, but we did not do that.

“You have made an extremely difficult demand on me as the leader of this country. The implication of your request is very serious. In the last six years, nobody will say I have confronted the judiciary.

“We are developing a country, and we have to go through the pains. The demand you have made is heavy, but I will consider it. I am glad to know you closely at this time.”

Kanu was extradited to Nigeria in 2021 after he jumped bail and fled the country, following his arraignment for alleged terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement.