The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has applauded Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu for visiting its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
In a statement issued Thursday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group also commended Hon. Obi Aguocha and several other Igbo leaders—along with members of the Igbo community residing in Sokoto—for paying solidarity visits to Kanu, whom they described as a “prisoner of conscience.”
According to the statement, the visit signifies growing concern over Kanu’s continued detention, which IPOB insists is unlawful and politically motivated.
IPOB reiterated its longstanding accusations against the Nigerian government, alleging extraordinary rendition from Kenya, prolonged detention, biased prosecution, and an unjust life sentence handed down under pressure from the executive arm of government.
The group maintained that Kanu committed no offence under local or international law, describing his incarceration and recent transfer to Sokoto prison as “the height of provocation” against the Igbo people.
Despite these grievances, IPOB emphasised its continued commitment to a non-violent struggle for self-determination, while insisting that the Nigerian government must ensure Kanu’s safety.
It warned that any harm to the separatist leader—“intentional or otherwise”—would have dire consequences, given his strong support base among millions of Igbo people and sympathisers worldwide.
IPOB also renewed its call for a UN-supervised referendum to allow the people of the South-East decide their political future.
