The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has raised strong objections to the reported transfer of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to a prison facility in Sokoto State, warning that the move puts his life at risk and could hinder his right to appeal his conviction.
In a statement issued on Sunday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, described both the sentencing and the transfer as “malicious” and part of what he alleged to be a long-standing campaign to suppress Kanu and the broader Biafran self-determination movement.
Powerful argued that relocating the pro-Biafra agitator to the far north-west, an area grappling with persistent security challenges, exposes him to heightened danger. He added that such a move could also undermine Kanu’s ability to consult freely with his legal team and pursue the appeals process guaranteed under Nigerian law.
“The Federal Government must ensure the total safety of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and guarantee that his legal rights, including the right to pursue appeals, are not impeded,” Powerful said. He stressed that the group remained particularly concerned about security risks in Sokoto and surrounding states.
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IPOB also urged the Nigerian government to uphold constitutional principles, including the Federal Character principle, and warned that actions perceived as discriminatory or targeted could worsen tensions across the country. The group called on the international community, human rights bodies, and foreign governments to closely monitor Kanu’s situation.
Reiterating its stance on non-violence, IPOB said: “We are a peaceful and disciplined movement. The only way to defuse tensions is for the government to allow Biafrans to exercise self-determination through a United Nations-supervised referendum.”
The group appealed to Nigerians and international partners to ensure that no harm befalls Kanu and that his right to challenge his conviction remains fully protected.
The Federal Government has yet to issue a detailed response to IPOB’s concerns.
