The Directorate of State (DOS) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the indefinite suspension of the Office of the Leader of IPOB and the position of Director of Radio Biafra, both previously held by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, pending further notice.
The decision was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Head of the Directorate of State, Mazi Chikadibia Edoziem.
According to the statement, the suspension was taken to safeguard the operations and mission of the movement, as well as to protect IPOB members worldwide, particularly those in Biafraland.
Edoziem explained that the move was necessary to prevent potential security breaches and emergency situations within the region.
The statement noted that the Directorate acted out of responsibility to ensure that the activities of the group remain aligned with its core objectives and do not expose members to harm.
It also stated that the suspension was aimed at preventing individuals or groups from exploiting the leadership position to carry out unauthorised actions in the name of IPOB.
The DOS further warned that any criminal activity carried out under the suspended office would not be attributed to the organisation but solely to the individuals involved.
It said the decision was also intended to curb reckless actions, unchecked authority claims, and communications that could lead to arrests, torture, or deaths of members.
According to the statement, IPOB will no longer be held responsible for actions taken by individuals or groups not authorised by its Directorate of State.
The group emphasized that the decision was part of ongoing efforts to restructure and strengthen its operations in line with its self-determination objectives.
It added that during a meeting held on June 17, 2026, members of the Directorate resolved to impose the indefinite suspension in what they described as the best interest of the movement and its supporters.
IPOB maintained that it is a self-determination movement established by Biafrans in the diaspora and not controlled by any single individual.
The DOS stated that no individual has the authority to dissolve the Directorate of State, describing it as the apex governing body of the organisation.
It further declared that any purported dissolution of the Directorate is “ab initio null and void” and should be disregarded by members and the public.
The statement also cited intelligence reports and alleged internal concerns, including meetings involving security agencies and the IPOB leader, as well as fears of actions that could destabilise the region.
Despite the suspension, the group reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful and non-violent pursuit of self-determination, stressing that its activities must not lead to harm or hardship for the people it claims to represent.
The Directorate concluded that the suspension of the leadership offices would remain in effect pending further review and directives.
