The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has leveled serious accusations against the Nigerian Army, claiming that it is intimidating judges involved in the case of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, through the dissemination of fake news. In a statement issued by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group dismissed as baseless the Army’s claims of arresting the “founding father of IPOB,” labeling it a tactic to mislead and intimidate judicial authorities.
IPOB contended that each time a court session related to Kanu approaches, the Nigerian Army resorts to fabricating stories about arrests or violence against its members. They criticized the Army for attempting to manipulate public perception and undermine the integrity of the judiciary.
The statement pointedly questioned the Army’s credibility, stating, “The history of how IPOB was founded is a matter of public knowledge that predates the childish antics by the media department of the Nigerian Army.” It also reiterated that Kanu is the recognized leader and founder of IPOB, accusing the Army of trying to create confusion by alleging the emergence of a new founder.
IPOB challenged the Army’s narrative, asking rhetorically, “Is the Nigerian Army ignorant of the leading count in the unlawful charges levelled against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu?” They demanded clarity on the identity of the alleged new founder, mockingly asking, “What sort of officer and gentleman will agree to be trotted out in front of cameras to make a mockery of the image of the Nigerian Army?”
The group expressed concern over what it termed the Army’s attempts to influence judicial outcomes whenever Kanu’s cases are scheduled. They called for the public to disregard the Army’s purported propaganda and emphasized their commitment to fighting against the unlawful proscription of IPOB, asserting that such efforts will ultimately fail.
In summary, IPOB condemned the Nigerian Army’s actions as lacking dignity and honor, urging an end to what they described as shameful tactics aimed at influencing the judiciary and misrepresenting their organization.
