The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) issued a strong warning on Wednesday, expressing concerns over the continued detention of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The pro-Biafran group asserted that if Kanu were to remain in Nigerian custody, the consequences would be grave for Nigeria and its leaders.
In a statement delivered by the group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB expressed disappointment in the silence of international bodies such as the United Nations, European Union, African Union, and ECOWAS, who have failed to address Kanu’s prolonged detention by the Federal Government, nearing two years.
Accusing the Supreme Court of bias in handling Kanu’s case, IPOB claimed a conspiracy between the apex court and the Federal Government, alleging that they intended for their leader to perish in custody due to his deteriorating health.
IPOB even raised the possibility that Kanu had been subjected to a slow-acting poison by the Department of State Services (DSS), which explained his worsening condition.
IPOB highlighted the refusal of the constitutional court to consider an appeal from Kanu’s lawyers concerning his health, instead granting a lengthy adjournment of four months.
This treatment of an innocent man, who had been acquitted by appeal court justices, was viewed by IPOB as an orchestrated attempt to endanger Kanu’s life.
Expressing disappointment with the silence of international organizations and human rights groups in the face of these human rights violations and judicial abuses, IPOB emphasized its determination to prevent their leader from meeting an untimely demise in detention.
They stressed that the freedom of Kanu was synonymous with the freedom of the entire black race, asserting that Kanu was not a criminal, terrorist, or associated with Nigeria’s history of corruption.
IPOB called on the international community, specifically the African Union, not to hold them accountable for any consequences that may arise due to Nigeria’s continuous disregard for both local and international laws regarding Nnamdi Kanu’s case.
While IPOB identified as a peaceful group, they emphasized their right to self-defense and warned that peaceful revolution can give way to violent revolution when peaceful means are obstructed.
They prayed that the Nigerian government would take appropriate action promptly, as the repercussions would not only impact their leader but also Nigeria and its leaders.
When questioned about the matter, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, declined to comment.