The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Thursday accused the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, of blackmailing its members ahead of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu’s, case at the Supreme Court.
IPOB made the claim while dismissing reports that the police raided Eastern Security Network (ESN, camps in Imo and Anambra states.
On Thursday, IPOB vehemently denied reports of police raids on ESN camps, asserting that such information was part of a deliberate effort to tarnish their image. According to the group, the police were engaging in a campaign of blackmail against its members as a strategy to influence the upcoming Supreme Court judgment on Nnamdi Kanu’s case. This raises questions about the credibility of the information circulated and the motives behind it.
At the heart of this controversy is the impending judgment on Nnamdi Kanu’s case. The IPOB leader faces a significant legal battle, and the outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the secessionist group. The allegations of police blackmail add an extra layer of complexity to an already contentious situation, creating an environment of mistrust and uncertainty.
To understand the gravity of the situation, it’s essential to delve into the historical context of the Biafran struggle. Nnamdi Kanu has been a prominent figure in advocating for the secession of Biafra from Nigeria, citing grievances related to political marginalization and human rights abuses against the Igbo people. The clash between IPOB and the Nigerian government has been ongoing, marked by arrests, protests, and a complex legal battle.
The Eastern Security Network, established by IPOB, has been a point of contention between the secessionist group and the Nigerian authorities. While IPOB describes ESN as a necessary measure to protect the interests of the Igbo people, the government views it as a security threat. Reports of police raids on ESN camps fuel existing tensions and contribute to the broader narrative surrounding the Biafran struggle.
Emma Powerful, the spokesman for IPOB, said, contrary to reports, ESN has no camps in the areas.
Parts of a statement released by Powerful said, “As expected, the Nigeria Police Force started their blackmail against IPOB as Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case at the Supreme Court of Nigeria is approaching this Friday.
“Their fabricated and fallacious claims of raiding the ESN camp is a lie and propaganda targeted at blackmailing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu before the Supreme Court judgment on Friday, December 15, 2023. Moreso, to put fears on Ndigbo who are coming home for the Christmas season.
“It is unfortunate that the Nigerian government, with her amateur blackmailer security forces, can easily be predicted.
“As daft and amateur blackmailers, Anambra Command of Nigeria Police couldn’t develop a good script in their lies. We don’t expect less of this propaganda because we are aware of the collaboration between the Nigerian Security Forces and the zoo-sponsored criminals camping around the Orsumohuo axis.
“Countless times, IPOB has maintained that ESN does not have camps at Orsumohuo, Lilu, Nnewi South, Orsuihiteukwa in Imo State, and Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, but the Nigerian Security Forces will often arrange a friendly gun match with the sponsored criminals in those areas in order to blackmail IPOB.
“What has stopped the Nigerian Joint Security Forces from invading the known camps of those criminals if they are not working together?
“We are warning the Nigerian Compromised Security Forces to stop blackmailing ESN and IPOB to prove they are working. No ESN camp was involved in the shambolic attack, as claimed by the Nigerian Joint Security Forces.
“Enough of the Nigeria Police unfounded blackmail against IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is enough. The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Supreme Court on December 15, 2023, is both sacrosanct and paramount.”
