The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has renewed its call for the Federal Government of Nigeria to drop all charges against its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and release him unconditionally. IPOB accused the government of persecuting Kanu based on ethnic bias, singling out the Igbo community, and violating international law in his ongoing detention and trial.
In a statement issued by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group criticized the continued legal proceedings against Kanu, despite the ruling of the Nigerian Court of Appeal, which discharged him. IPOB described the trial as politically motivated and aimed at suppressing Kanu’s advocacy for Biafra’s self-determination.
IPOB also alleged that the Nigerian government is in violation of international norms due to the circumstances of Kanu’s arrest. The group claims that Kanu was illegally abducted in Kenya and forcefully returned to Nigeria under the previous administration. This, they argue, constitutes a breach of international laws governing rendition.
“The Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, continues to defy both local and international rulings by holding Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in custody,” the statement read. “The Court of Appeal ruled in his favor, yet his trial continues. This is a blatant act of ethnic persecution and a gross violation of his human rights.”
IPOB further stated that the Supreme Court of Nigeria had condemned Kanu’s abduction, but external pressures have prevented the judiciary from fully upholding the law. According to the group, the executive branch’s interference has compromised the independence of the courts, allowing Kanu’s illegal detention to continue.
The pro-Biafra group called on the international community to intervene, stating that Kanu’s detention is unjust and that he has not committed any crime under both Nigerian and international law.
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In addition to legal arguments, IPOB highlighted the deteriorating health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, who is reportedly being held in solitary confinement by the Department of State Services (DSS). Despite multiple court rulings in favor of his release, the Nigerian government has allegedly refused to comply, further aggravating concerns over his wellbeing.
IPOB urged global leaders and international organizations to hold the Nigerian government accountable for what they describe as an illegal and unethical persecution of Kanu. The group emphasized that their struggle for Biafran self-determination aligns with United Nations principles and African human rights charters.
In their concluding statement, IPOB reiterated its demand for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu and vowed to continue its peaceful advocacy for Biafra’s independence.
This continued defiance by the government has cast doubt on the integrity of Nigeria’s legal system and raised questions about the country’s commitment to upholding human rights and international laws.
