According to a report by Daily Post on Friday, October 10, 2025, activist and public commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has stated that the Federal Government made a serious mistake by excluding Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from the list of those considered for clemency and pardon.
Shehu stated that it was wrong for the National Council of State to treat Kanu’s case as if he needed mercy.
He explained that clemency or pardon applies only to convicted persons, not to those still facing trial.
According to him, Kanu has not been found guilty of any offence, so the idea of granting him pardon does not even arise.
The activist maintained that the government should have gone a step further to stop Kanu’s trial completely.
He said the Council of State should have advised the Attorney General of the Federation to end the case by filing a nolle prosequi, a legal term used when the government decides to discontinue a criminal prosecution.
Shehu described Kanu’s prolonged detention as unnecessary and politically motivated.
He argued that the court process has dragged on for too long without meaningful progress, and continuing it only worsens public distrust in the justice system.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Kanu is not a candidate for clemency, pardon, amnesty, pity, or compassion because he is not a convict.
The Council of State should have directed the Attorney General of the Federation to terminate Kanu’s trial by way of nolle prosequi,” Mahdi Shehu said. See, More, Here>>>>
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