The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on the international community and the Nigerian government to release its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. According to the group, Kanu is a prisoner of conscience who has no case to answer.
In a statement issued by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group described the charges against Kanu as bogus and politically motivated. He said Kanu’s continued prosecution for alleged treason and terrorism violates his basic human rights.
“We are not begging for mercy. We are demanding justice,” Powerful stated.
He recalled that a Federal High Court had earlier ruled IPOB to be a lawful organisation. Yet, Kanu remains in detention. This, according to him, reveals the judiciary’s failure to uphold justice.
IPOB pointed out that the treason charges were dropped years ago. At the time, the former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, reportedly admitted that the case could not be won. Despite this, the government allegedly introduced new terrorism charges to silence Kanu and weaken the Biafran movement.
“The Nigerian State resorted to false terrorism charges. It ignored a valid court ruling that affirmed IPOB’s legality,” Powerful explained.
Furthermore, he accused Malami of obtaining a proscription order through forum shopping. This was done without giving IPOB the fair hearing guaranteed by Nigeria’s Constitution.
IPOB also condemned a recent move by the Court of Appeal to reverse Kanu’s acquittal. The court had earlier discharged him in a criminal case. However, a stay of execution was later granted through a civil procedure.
Powerful described this legal twist as an abuse of judicial process. He said it showed the court’s bias and its willingness to act outside legal norms.
“Justice Tsammani and his panel have embarrassed Nigeria’s judiciary. They reversed a criminal judgment through a civil motion, which defies legal standards,” he alleged.
Kanu’s Detention Is a Threat to Justice and Rule of Law
IPOB maintained that Kanu’s detention is not just about one individual. Instead, it reflects a broader attack on truth, justice, and Nigeria’s democratic values. The group warned that the country’s international image could suffer if the issue is not addressed soon.
“This persecution damages Nigeria’s global reputation,” Powerful warned. “It turns our judiciary into a tool of political oppression.”
He added that those pushing President Tinubu to continue this path are endangering national stability. According to him, they underestimate Kanu’s resolve and the commitment of Biafrans to their cause.
“Even in chains, Kanu’s spirit remains unbroken,” Powerful declared. “His determination, shown during DSS interrogations, proves the righteousness of our struggle.”
IPOB concluded by urging Nigerians and the world to speak up. It asked them to demand justice and hold the Nigerian government accountable.
