The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a grave warning to President Bola Tinubu’s administration regarding the worsening health of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu. In a statement released on Monday, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, condemned the Nigerian government for its handling of Kanu’s detention and the consequent decline in his health.
Powerful stated, “The situation has clearly shown that the Nigerian government, the judiciary, DSS operatives, and certain South-East politicians are conspiring to eliminate Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.” He emphasized that any harm that comes to Kanu while in custody will have severe repercussions.
Despite previous court rulings, including those by the Nigerian Appeal Court and the Supreme Court, which declared Kanu’s detention and extraordinary rendition illegal, the IPOB asserts that the government continues to ignore these mandates. The Supreme Court had previously ruled that Kanu did not jump bail and had deemed his abduction from Kenya illegal.
The IPOB has demanded Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release, citing his deteriorating health as a direct result of inadequate medical care provided by the DSS. They criticize the judiciary for allegedly collaborating with the executive branch in violating Kanu’s rights.
The IPOB is calling on international bodies, including the United Nations, African Union, and Amnesty International, to pressure the Nigerian government into releasing Kanu. Powerful questioned why an innocent man should suffer in solitary confinement when his detention has been deemed illegal by the courts.
He reiterated that Kanu’s only offense is leading the Biafra self-determination movement, which aligns with international human rights conventions. The IPOB remains resolute in its pursuit of Biafra’s freedom, asserting that their struggle is unstoppable.
