Former South-East campaign spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, Denge Onoh, has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to consider the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.

He also called for the removal of Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, from the list of wanted individuals compiled by security agencies.

Speaking via a statement on Friday, Onoh accused the government of prosecuting political agitators while reconciling with identified criminals.

He raised alarm over the influx of banditry, lamenting that in the first half of 2025 alone, bandits and insurgents killed at least 2,266 Nigerians.

Onoh cited the recent peace deals brokered with notorious bandits, including Isiya Garwa, one of Nigeria’s 19 most-wanted terrorists, arguing that such deals undermined the rule of law and emboldened criminals.

He contrasted the actions of Kanu and Igboho with those of bandits like Garwa, who have orchestrated mass murder and extortion.

He stated, “Releasing Kanu and dropping charges against Igboho would signal that Nigeria values equity over expediency, dialogue over detention, and true security over selective impunity.”

He warned that failing to address the issues would perpetuate division and undermine the government’s legitimacy.

The former aide emphasised the need for justice and equity, stating, “Let this be the turning point where justice unites us, not divides.”