‘So, Terrorists, bandits can be released, rehabilitated but Kanu can’t ‘ Momodu Slams Igbokwe

Veteran journalist and founder of Ovation Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu, has criticized All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Joe Igbokwe, for opposing the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Momodu, who is also a leading figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, October 10, 2025, to express his disapproval of Igbokwe’s remarks.

His reaction followed reports that the APC chieftain had warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration against granting freedom or pardon to Kanu, insisting that the IPOB leader does not deserve such consideration.

The controversy arose after several prominent Nigerians — including human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar — renewed calls for the Federal Government to resolve Kanu’s prolonged detention.

In his social media post, Dele Momodu questioned what he described as Igbokwe’s “cruel” stance, pointing out the inconsistency in government policies that allow the release and rehabilitation of terrorists and bandits while keeping Kanu in custody.

Quoting his statement, Momodu wrote:

“With all due respect to old age, what kind of cruel man is Joe Igbokwe? So terrorists and bandits can be released and rehabilitated, but not Uncle Joe’s kinsman, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu?”

Momodu’s reaction has further stirred debate on social media, with many Nigerians weighing in on the contrasting treatment of insurgents and political agitators in the country.