Satguru Maharaj Ji, founder of the One Love Family, has declared that he is willing to help secure the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, but only if the group takes two major steps.
The spiritual leader said the continued operation of Biafra radio and the enforcement of sit-at-home directives must end before any meaningful move can be made to free Kanu.
He revealed this while speaking during an interview on his temple’s in-house radio on Wednesday.
Maharaj Ji said Kanu’s case had reached a point where only political negotiation could change the situation, stressing that the IPOB leader was facing charges that ordinarily attract the death penalty under Nigerian law.
According to him, it was “only out of grace” that Kanu did not receive the maximum sentence.
Maharaj Ji insisted that those pushing for Kanu’s pardon must also demonstrate sincerity by taking steps that show they genuinely want peace in the region.
He explained that ending the broadcast of Biafra radio and stopping the sit-at-home order would open the door for dialogue, while Igbo elders could then approach President Bola Tinubu to push for a political solution.
He also accused some northern interests of being displeased with the political rise of the Igbo under the current administration, warning that fear-driven narratives about the Southeast being “Islamised” were unnecessary.
He expressed confidence that if the right commitments are made, he can personally help to facilitate Kanu’s release.
His comments come as more political figures and activists continue to push the federal government toward a political settlement.
Abia State governor, Alex Otti, recently visited President Tinubu after meeting Kanu at the Sokoto prison facility, a move widely seen as part of broader consultations aimed at securing Kanu’s freedom.
Kanu is currently serving a life sentence in Sokoto Prison after he was convicted on multiple counts of terrorism.
Justice James Omotosho had ruled on seven charges, sentencing him to life imprisonment on five counts and additional jail terms on the remaining counts without an option of fine.