IPOB Demands Unconditional Release of Nnamdi Kanu, Rejects Link to Simon Ekpa

By Diafa Doubra,

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has demanded the unconditional release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, while rejecting what it described as attempts by the Federal Government to link him with Finland-based separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa.

In a statement issued on Sunday, IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, stressed that Kanu has no connection with Ekpa’s activities, which have been blamed for violent attacks and unrest in the South-East. The group insisted that the continuous detention of Kanu despite several court rulings ordering his release amounts to an abuse of justice and a deliberate effort to silence pro-Biafra voices.

IPOB accused the government of trying to smear Kanu’s image by associating him with insecurity in the region, adding that his leadership has always emphasized non-violence and lawful agitation. The group warned that failure to release him could further heighten tensions in the South-East.

Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021 following his controversial arrest and extradition from Kenya, is facing trial on charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony. Human rights groups and international observers have repeatedly called for a fair resolution of his case.

As the calls grow louder, many analysts believe that how the government handles Kanu’s detention will significantly shape the political and security atmosphere in the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.