The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has expressed gratitude to Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Sokoto State Governor Almad Aliyu Sokoto for their visit to its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
In a statement on Thursday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful also praised Hon. Aguocha and other concerned Igbo, including those residing in Sokoto, for visiting Kanu.
The statement condemned the abduction, extended detention, unlawful trial, life imprisonment, and transfer of Kanu to Sokoto as acts of injustice. IPOB described him as a prisoner of conscience whose only “offence” was advocating for the self-determination of his people.
“The kidnapping, extraordinary rendition, extended detention, unlawful trial, life imprisonment, and cruel transfer to Sokoto prison will eternally trouble the Nigerian State,” the statement read. “Employing State Security Forces to create government-backed evidence against IPOB and MNK will be an injustice that we cannot overlook until a thorough independent investigation is carried out.”
IPOB highlighted that Kanu’s trial and sentencing involved a prejudiced legal system, claiming undue pressure from the executive branch influenced the ruling. The group stressed that Kanu remains widely cherished and supported by Ndigbo and other Nigerians, warning that his relocation to Sokoto will not weaken the movement.
The movement reiterated its commitment to non-violent Biafra self-determination, urging the Nigerian government to guarantee the safety of Kanu and other IPOB members while awaiting a UN-supervised referendum for Biafrans to determine their political future.
“Nonetheless, the condition here is that the Nigerian government has to guarantee his protection. May no harm come to him, whether on purpose or by accident,” the statement added. “A leader who is cherished and respected by more than 70 million individuals should not be underestimated.”
IPOB’s message underscores ongoing tensions around the Biafra self-determination movement and calls for both protection and recognition of its leadership while maintaining a peaceful approach.
