The controversy surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s life sentence continues to generate heated discussions online, as popular Nigerian singer and social media personality, Portable, has alleged that the IPOB leader was offered a staggering 50 billion naira in an attempt to secure his cooperation.
This revelation comes in the wake of Nnamdi Kanu’s sentencing to life imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Abuja, where he was found guilty on all seven counts relating to terrorism. The judgment also included concurrent sentences of 20 years and 5 years for other charges, all set to run simultaneously, marking a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism.
Kanu, who has been in detention since his arrest in 2021, has faced intense legal proceedings, public scrutiny, and widespread debate over the fairness of his trial. In the latest development, he was transferred from the DSS facility in Abuja to a correctional centre in Sokoto State, a move confirmed by his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, on the microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter). This transfer has reignited discussions on the treatment of high-profile detainees in Nigeria and the transparency of the judicial process.
Portable’s Allegation and Its Implications
In a video that has since gone viral across social media platforms, Portable claimed that both Nnamdi Kanu and Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho were offered 50 billion naira each. According to the singer, while Sunday Igboho accepted the offer, Nnamdi Kanu steadfastly refused, insisting on continuing his struggle for the independence and rights of his people rather than being bought off. This allegation, if true, has sparked debates over loyalty, patriotism, and the ethical considerations of monetary inducements in political and separatist movements.
Portable stated: “I Heared Sunday Igboho and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Was Offered 50 Billion Naira, the Advocator for independent Yoruba Nation Take the Offer, But The Biafra Advocator refuses to Accept the Offer and still insist on his people Freedom.” This statement has been widely shared, with many Nigerians reacting passionately to the contrasting decisions of the two activists.
Related Arrests and Protests
Prior to Kanu’s sentencing, tensions were high as his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel, were arrested for protesting his continued detention. The protests were organized by well-known human rights activist, Omoleye Sowore, who was also arrested and later released, only to be rearrested again for comments directed at the Inspector General of Police (IGP), whom he controversially referred to as a ‘goat.’ These arrests have raised concerns about freedom of speech, the right to peaceful protest, and the treatment of dissenters in Nigeria.
Kanu’s transfer to Sokoto, combined with the alleged 50 billion naira offer, has intensified public discourse about the political and social pressures surrounding separatist movements, highlighting the delicate balance between national security, human rights, and activism in Nigeria. Analysts suggest that such high-profile cases are likely to influence public opinion, future legal proceedings, and the broader conversation around governance and accountability.
As discussions continue, the video by Portable remains a focal point of online debate, shedding light on both the immense financial stakes allegedly involved and the moral choices faced by leaders and activists advocating for their communities.
Watch the full video below for Portable’s claims and reactions from Nigerians across social media…
@the_nigerianist“I Heared Sunday Igboho and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Was Offered 50 Billion Naira, the Advocator for independent Yoruba Nation Take the Offer, But The Biafra Advocator refuses to Accept the Offer and still insist on his people Freedom” -Portable
♬ original sound – The Nigerianist