The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on the Nigerian government and the international community to end what it describes as the unlawful detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
IPOB says Kanu is a prisoner of conscience who has no criminal case to answer. The group insists that his continued trial is a clear violation of his basic human rights.
In a press statement released Monday morning, June 9, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said the charges of treason and terrorism against Kanu were false and politically motivated.
“We call on Nigerians, the international community, and all lovers of justice to heed this clarion call: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has no case to answer,” said Powerful.
“The continued persecution of our Leader is not only a gross violation of his fundamental rights but also an indictment of Nigeria’s judiciary, which has descended into a cesspool of judicial terrorism and criminal dereliction of duty.”
IPOB Says Kanu Cleared of Treason Charges Years Ago
The group explained that the charge of treasonable felony was dismissed years ago when the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, dropped the case.
“No treason was committed,” IPOB stated.
According to the group, Malami’s failure to prove the treason charge led to the case being dropped. However, the government later replaced it with terrorism charges.
IPOB said the Nigerian state, determined to crush the Biafra movement, resorted to false terrorism accusations. It pointed out that a Federal High Court had earlier ruled that IPOB was a lawful organisation.
The group accused Malami of using court shopping tactics to get a different court to ban IPOB without a fair hearing.
Judiciary Accused of Misusing Power Against Kanu
The group claims that Justice Kafarati granted a proscription order without listening to IPOB’s side of the case. It says this act broke the Nigerian Constitution, especially Section 36, which guarantees fair hearing.
IPOB believes the judiciary is being used to suppress the Biafra cause. It described the situation as a miscarriage of justice and an attack on freedom.
Emma Powerful said: “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a prisoner of conscience, detained for his unwavering commitment to the self-determination of the Biafran people.
Should he ever take the stand to defend himself, the world will witness the unravelling of Nigeria’s façade of justice.“
IPOB Blames Nigerian Courts for Judicial Abuse
According to IPOB, the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Tsammani, used an improper legal process to reverse a criminal judgment that had freed Kanu.
“In a move that defies the principles of law and justice, they employed a civil procedure—stay of execution—to overturn a valid judgment reached in a criminal trial,“” the group claimed.
IPOB is asking Nigerians and the international community to examine this action and question the government’s respect for justice.
“This persecution is not just an attack on one man but an assault on justice, truth, and the rule of law,” Powerful said.
IPOB Warns Nigeria’s Image Is at Risk
The group said the continued detention of Kanu is ruining Nigeria’s global image. It described the judiciary as being reduced to a laughingstock in the eyes of the world.
IPOB also criticised those encouraging President Tinubu’s administration to continue prosecuting Kanu, claiming they are harming Nigeria’s future.
“They underestimate the unyielding resolve and fanatical devotion of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the cause of Biafra,” the statement added. “His courage, even in chains, as evidenced in videos of his interrogations by the DSS, stands as a testament to his unbreakable spirit and the righteousness of our cause.“
Next Court Appearance
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned Nnamdi Kanu’s trial to June 6, 16, 18, and 19, 2025 for continuation of proceedings. Some reports also mention hearings scheduled on June 13, 2025 as well.
The trial is now under Justice James Omotosho. The prosecution introduced a key witness, referred to as “BBB”, who presented a petition from former AG Abubakar Malami to the DSS, accusing Kanu of terrorism, murder, and incitement .
Exhibits were admitted, including that petition, Kanu’s DSS statement (Exhibit PEG), a flash drive of Kanu’s broadcasts (Exhibits PWA/PW1), and a government gazette proscribing IPOB .
Recorded audio and video featuring Kanu allegedly calling for violence—like burning public buildings and inciting attacks—were played in court. The witness testified that Kanu admitted those recordings were his voice.
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