A group campaigning for the rights of the Igbo people has accused the Federal Government of injustice against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and other detained Biafran activists. Scholastica Nwakaego Anyanwu, spokesperson of the IPOB Jewish Community, signed the statement and highlighted Kanu’s resilience, stating his case represents the wider struggle for justice and equality for the Igbo people. Anyanwu, who said she is living in exile, accused the APC-led government of persecuting the Igbo through killings, displacements, and forced exiles. She called on the international community to pay attention to what she described as human rights violations.
The group described Kanu as the face of their movement and praised his courage in standing up for the Igbo cause. It also condemned the alleged targeting of Biafran families, including the family of HRM Eze Israel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s father. The group renewed its call for Kanu’s release, warning that the challenges faced by the Igbo community would not be ignored or forgotten.
In related developments, the All Igbo Youth Forum has threatened to boycott the 2027 general elections if Nnamdi Kanu is not released. The National President of the forum, Chief Chinedu Obilor, stated that the group shelved its planned protest over Kanu’s continued incarceration after discussions with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 10 to decide whether or not to free Nnamdi Kanu from terrorism charges against him. IPOB has also raised legal questions ahead of the court ruling, urging the court to weigh them in determining the validity of the case.
The Federal Government has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that Nnamdi Kanu’s threat to break up Nigeria was not a mere empty threat but a deliberate one. Igbos in Rivers State have urged the Inspector General of Police to deploy adequate personnel to provide security for its proposed Igbo Festival billed to hold in the state.
The IPOB has been at the forefront of the renewed call for an independent state of Biafra. In 2020, the IPOB launched its armed wing called the Eastern Security Network aimed at protecting the Igbos.
