Buhari prefers extraditing Kanu instead of killing him, book reveals

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has been quoted in a book written by his former spokesperson, Femi Adesina, as saying that he preferred extraditing the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra,  Nnamdi Kanu, to face trial in Nigeria rather than killing him.

According to the book, Buhari said extraditing Kanu to Nigeria was a better option compared to mobilising resources to eliminate him.

The new book titled  ‘Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023)’, was unveiled in Abuja last Wednesday.

The embattled IPOB leader was extradited to Nigeria in 2021 after he jumped bail and fled the country, following his arraignment for alleged terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement.

An excerpt from the book has now narrated how a group known as Highly-Respected Igbo Greats, led by Mbazulike Ameachi, a first republic minister of aviation, pleaded with the former president to release Kanu.

Buhari, however, told the delegation, that his government had the option to eliminate Kanu, but it was thought that bringing him back to Nigeria to face trial was the best option for all parties.

Buhari in the book was quoted to have told the delegation led by Ameachi that, “In the past six years, I have developed a system in which I don’t interfere with the judiciary.

“Let him make his case in court instead of giving a terrible impression of the country from outside. That was why in the case of Kanu, I said the best was to subject him to the system.

“I feel it is a favour to give him (Kanu) that opportunity. The government could have mobilised to eliminate him where he was, but we did not do that.

“You have made an extremely difficult demand on me as the leader of this country. The implication of your request is very serious. In the last six years, nobody will say I have confronted the judiciary.

“We are developing a country, and we have to go through the pains. The demand you have made is heavy, but I will consider it. I am glad to know you closely at this time.”

The book also revealed how some pastors vigorously campaigned and prayed for the former President to lose the 2015 election and progressed from there to pray against him and his government after he won the poll and assumed office.