The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern warning to political leaders in the South-East of Nigeria, urging them to cease using the detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, for personal or political gain. IPOB accused some Igbo politicians of collaborating with the Federal Government to keep Kanu in custody and leveraging his situation to enhance their own political influence.
In a statement released by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful on August 12, 2024, the group criticized those who allegedly exploit Kanu’s detention to advance their political interests, threatening to publicly expose and undermine these leaders if they do not desist. The statement read, “To those using the suffering of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to advance their political interests should desist; otherwise, IPOB will call you out publicly and also frustrate your political interests in the South-East.”
IPOB alleged that certain politicians and their allies in Abuja are using the situation to revive their diminishing political influence in the South-East and are secretly working with the Federal Government to prolong Kanu’s detention. The group urged the public to recognize these individuals and noted that as long as Kanu remains in detention, the South-East will struggle to gain political relevance in Nigeria.
The statement also praised those genuine Igbo leaders who are actively working for Kanu’s release, encouraging them to continue their efforts. IPOB emphasized its ongoing control over the South-East and commended the region’s resilience in the face of political and economic marginalization.
Additionally, IPOB addressed the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, stating that they had advised the people of the South-East against participating to prevent further violence and repression. The group claimed that their stance helped avoid potential military intervention and civilian casualties.
Nnamdi Kanu, who leads IPOB’s push for a separatist Biafra, was re-arrested in Kenya in June 2021 after evading bail. He has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since then.