BBy Ugwu Chigozirim PraiseGod
August 9, 2026
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) says it is intensifying its international diplomatic and legal campaign for the release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, while accusing the Nigerian and British governments of failing to uphold principles of justice and due process.
The claims were contained in a weekly address delivered on Sunday, August 9, 2026, by Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, Head of the Fourth Administration of IPOB’s Directorate of State (DOS).
According to Nwaọgụ, members of IPOB’s Elders Advisory Council and the organisation’s lobbyists in Washington, D.C., recently held discussions with officials of the United States Department of State.
He said the meeting focused partly on alleged attacks against Judeo-Christian communities in parts of Biafraland, which IPOB claims have not received adequate attention in the Nigerian media.
Nwaọgụ said details of the discussions could not be disclosed because of diplomatic considerations but assured members that the organisation would continue its international engagement.
IPOB Accuses UK of Failing to Intervene
The IPOB leader also criticised the United Kingdom over its handling of Kanu’s case, arguing that the British government should take a more active role because Kanu is a British citizen.
Nwaọgụ maintained that Kanu’s trial failed to meet basic standards of fairness and cited previous judicial observations concerning the impartiality of the trial process.
“Five years have passed. Five years of illegal detention. Five years of torture. Five years of a sham trial,” Nwaọgụ said.
He accused the British Government of providing diplomatic cover for Kanu’s continued detention and claimed that London had indicated it was still awaiting a response to a diplomatic Note Verbale submitted to Nigeria in June 2021.
The allegations against the Nigerian and British governments were made by IPOB and were not independently established in the statement.
IPOB Rejects Claims of Internal Division
Nwaọgụ also rejected claims that IPOB is deeply divided, alleging instead that the Nigerian government had attempted to weaken the organisation through internal disruption.
He said members associated with the former Third Administration of the Directorate of State had been removed and expelled, insisting that the organisation was now operating as “one family.”
The IPOB official further accused Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and Minister of Works Dave Umahi of allegedly participating in efforts to undermine Kanu’s influence among the Igbo.
According to Nwaọgụ, the alleged objective was to turn the Igbo population against Kanu and ultimately pressure him into exile if he is released.
He described Kanu as remaining committed to the Biafra cause despite his prolonged detention.
Nwaọgụ also declared that the era of “Autopilot” and internal division was over.
Group Says It Is Documenting Detentions
On the welfare of detained and deceased members, Nwaọgụ said IPOB was continuing to document cases involving members held in different detention facilities.
He said IPOB lawyers had been directed to keep affected families and the public informed about concrete legal steps being taken.
“We will not abandon any of our own,” he said.
IPOB Reiterates Challenge to Proscription
Nwaọgụ also restated IPOB’s position that the organisation’s proscription by the Nigerian government was unlawful.
He said an appeal concerning the proscription remained before the Supreme Court and argued that the right to freedom of association was protected under Nigerian law.
According to him, IPOB would continue circulating what it described as the original Gazette relating to the proscription in order to allow members and international observers to examine its contents.
IPOB Calls for De-escalation in Anambra
On the security situation in the South-East, Nwaọgụ called for de-escalation of tensions in Ihiala and surrounding communities.
He rejected allegations linking the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to insecurity in the region and accused unnamed actors of promoting what he described as a false narrative.
He also called on the Anambra State Government to release the report of the panel led by human rights lawyer Professor Chidi Odinkalu, which IPOB claims exonerated the organisation and Kanu.
IPOB Challenges Kanu’s Conviction
A significant portion of the weekly address focused on Kanu’s ongoing appeal and his detention at the Sokoto Custodial Centre.
Nwaọgụ argued that previous Supreme Court findings concerning alleged bias involving Justice Binta Nyako raised serious questions about the validity of subsequent proceedings.
He further claimed that Justice James Omotosho inherited a compromised case and subsequently conducted what IPOB described as a “sham trial.”
On that basis, he maintained that Kanu’s conviction should be declared a nullity.
Nwaọgụ also questioned Kanu’s continued detention in Sokoto, arguing that the location was inconsistent with what he described as Kanu’s previous advocacy for the release of detained Northerners, including Muslims and Christians.
He characterised the transfer as persecution rather than justice.
Citing the established legal principle associated with R v. Sussex Justices, ex parte McCarthy, Nwaọgụ argued that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
He maintained that where judicial bias exists or is reasonably suspected, proceedings should be set aside and reconsidered before a different judge.
Allegations of Threats to Kanu’s Life
Nwaọgụ further alleged that Kanu had survived several threats to his life while in detention.
Among the allegations were claims involving wrong medication, poisoning and planned attacks.
These claims formed part of IPOB’s account of Kanu’s detention and were not independently substantiated in the statement.
IPOB Says Diplomatic and Legal Campaign Will Continue
Concluding the address, Nwaọgụ said IPOB’s diplomatic engagements, legal actions and international advocacy were part of a coordinated strategy to secure Kanu’s freedom and advance the organisation’s campaign for Biafra self-determination.
He praised members of the Fourth Administration, IPOB supporters worldwide and what he described as the “100 men and women of the Divine Project” for their contributions to the campaign.
Nwaọgụ reiterated the organisation’s demand for Kanu’s “immediate and unconditional” release and said IPOB would continue pursuing its stated objectives.
“Biafra is coming whether they like it or not,” he declared.
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