Abuja, Nigeria – Influential Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has publicly stated his willingness to spearhead an amnesty campaign for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on the condition that Kanu demonstrates genuine remorse for his past actions and commits to promoting peace.

The cleric made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

Key Condition: Remorse and Call for Peace

Sheikh Gumi, a long-time advocate for a non-kinetic approach to resolving Nigeria's various security challenges, emphasized that his support for Kanu's pardon is conditional.

"This Kanu that was imprisoned for terrorism for agitating that our soldiers should be killed, if this same Kanu now will show remorse and also call for peace, honestly, I will be in the forefront in calling for his pardon and amnesty for ¹him," Gumi stated.

Kanu was recently convicted on multiple counts of terrorism by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025.

Advocacy for Non-Kinetic Solutions

The cleric used the opportunity to reinforce his call for the government to consider dialogue and a non-kinetic approach—including amnesty—for various armed groups across the country. He argued that military action alone has proven ineffective in several global conflicts and is not suited for the guerrilla-style challenges currently facing Nigeria.

He also drew historical parallels, citing the amnesty granted to the late Biafran leader Odumegwu Ojukwu by President Shehu Shagari, and the amnesty offered to Niger Delta militants by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Gumi suggested this precedent is crucial for achieving peace and reconciliation in the current context.

Context: Kanu's Conviction and Government's Stance

Gumi's offer comes shortly after the Federal High Court's verdict against Nnamdi Kanu.

Separately, the Federal Government, through Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi, had earlier indicated that it was open to negotiating Kanu's release, but insisted that it should not be made a condition for the South East's political support for the current administration.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), however, has previously rejected any notion of "negotiations" tied to conditions, stating their leader's only acceptable demand is a UN-supervised referendum for the people of Biafra.

Sheikh Gumi's proposition is expected to generate significant reactions across the political and security landscape as the government continues to grapple with separatist agitations in the South East and banditry in the North.