The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared that its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, remains in detention because he has refused to compromise his stance on Biafra’s independence. According to IPOB, Kanu is a “prisoner of conscience” and should be released by the Nigerian government.
In a statement by the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB accused the Nigerian government of orchestrating Kanu’s extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021. The group claims that, despite several court rulings in his favor, Kanu has been kept in solitary confinement for nearly four years.
“Nigeria is illegally detaining him with the intent of dismantling IPOB, but the unshakable commitment to Biafra’s restoration keeps us moving forward,” the statement read. IPOB called on its supporters and the global Igbo community to continue advocating for Kanu’s unconditional release.
IPOB reiterated that Kanu’s call for Biafran self-determination aligns with the United Nations’ convention on civil and political rights. The group also highlighted that, despite being acquitted by Nigeria’s Appeals Court in October 2022, Kanu remains detained, with the government ignoring both court rulings and international demands for his release, including those from the UN Committee on Arbitrary Detention.
“Kanu has committed no crime under local or international law,” the statement added, accusing the Nigerian government of using ethnic discrimination to persecute Ndigbo through its actions against Kanu.
IPOB emphasized that its leader is being persecuted, not prosecuted, and warned the government that their continued persecution would only strengthen the group’s resolve. The organization also called on the international community to intervene in the ongoing human rights violations.
“We assure the Nigerian government that IPOB cannot be silenced or intimidated. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains resolute in his call for a referendum, and neither persecution nor tyranny will force us to abandon the Biafran cause,” the group concluded.
IPOB warned that the injustices against Ndigbo, especially Kanu’s detention, would have lasting consequences for Nigeria and called on the government to reflect on the long-term damage caused by this continued conflict.
