The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has been illegally detained by the Nigerian government since June 2021.

In a statement, IPOB’s media and publicity secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, accused the Nigerian government of masterminding Kanu’s extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria and perpetuating his illegal detention despite court judgments in his favor.

Kanu’s detention is a clear case of persecution, not prosecution, IPOB asserts, emphasizing that he has committed no offense under local or international law. His demand for self-determination aligns with the United Nations Convention on Civil and Political Rights.

Despite the Nigerian Appeals Court’s acquittal in October 2022 and the UN Committee on Arbitrary Detention’s condemnation of his detention, the Nigerian government continues to hold Kanu.

IPOB maintains that Kanu’s persecution is driven by ethnic hatred against Ndigbo and will only strengthen their resolve for Biafra’s restoration. The group demands a referendum and vows to continue their struggle, undeterred by intimidation or persecution.

The Nigerian government’s actions, IPOB warns, will have far-reaching consequences and exacerbate the country’s economic and security woes. IPOB urges the international community to condemn Kanu’s persecution and human rights violations against Ndigbo.

The statement concludes: “Biafra will come, but the wounds of persecution and wickedness against Ndigbo will take decades to heal. Nigeria must consider the future with the wound it inflicted on Biafrans in mind.”