‘Why Is Gumi Free While Kanu Remains Detained?’ — Primate Ayodele Challenges FG, Warns of Consequences

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has stirred fresh controversy over the continued detention of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, urging the Federal Government to either release him or apply the same treatment to Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi.
Ayodele made the remarks while addressing members of his congregation in a video that has since attracted attention on social media.
The outspoken cleric questioned what he described as inconsistency in the government’s handling of individuals linked to security-related controversies, arguing that fairness must be seen to be upheld if authorities want Nigerians to trust their actions.
According to him, the continued detention of Kanu while Gumi remains free raises questions about the government’s commitment to justice and equal treatment under the law.
“The Nigerian government should release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Since you keep Kanu in prison, why can’t you keep Sheikh Gumi in prison too?” Ayodele stated.
He further challenged the authorities to explain why one individual remains behind bars while another continues to operate freely.
“You keep Nnamdi Kanu, but Gumi is free. Then, how do you want to manage the government?” he asked.
Ayodele maintained that if the Federal Government believes Kanu should remain in detention, then similar measures should be taken against Gumi to convince Nigerians that there is no double standard in the country’s security and justice system.
The cleric warned that failure to address what many perceive as unequal treatment could fuel public dissatisfaction and trigger wider protests against the administration.
“If Nnamdi Kanu is there, then go and take Gumi. Then Nigerians will believe that the government is serious. Protest will seize this Tinubu government,” he warned.
His comments come amid renewed debates over Kanu’s prolonged legal battle and increasing calls from various groups and political figures for the Federal Government to review his case.
While supporters of Kanu continue to demand his release, the Federal Government has maintained that the IPOB leader is facing legal proceedings and that his case remains before the courts.
Ayodele’s latest intervention is expected to add another layer to the ongoing national conversation surrounding justice, security, and the government’s approach to handling sensitive political and security matters.