IPOB Seeks Release of Nnamdi Kanu, Raises Legal, Human Rights Concerns
The Head of the Fourth Administration of the Directorate of State (DOS) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, while raising concerns over alleged human rights violations, detention of persons and the legal basis of Kanu’s conviction.
Nwaọgụ made the call in a weekly address dated August 23, 2026, in which he reviewed what he described as the organisation’s recent legal, human rights and international advocacy activities.
According to him, IPOB’s legal team held a world press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Headquarters in Umuahia on August 17, where allegations concerning the detention, disappearance and treatment of people in the South-East were presented.
He said the event featured testimonies from families and survivors, medical records and photographs, while Amnesty International also held a separate world press briefing in Umuahia on August 20.
Nwaọgụ said the legal team raised questions concerning the constitutional rights of persons allegedly detained by security agencies, including their rights to personal liberty, fair hearing and protection from enforced disappearance.
He called for greater transparency over the whereabouts of persons allegedly missing, those said to be held in military and security facilities, detainees at Wawa detention centre and persons who have reportedly died in custody.
IPOB Questions Legal Basis of Kanu’s Conviction
A major part of the address focused on the conviction of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Nwaọgụ argued that Kanu’s conviction should be overturned, alleging that the prosecution relied on provisions of a repealed terrorism law.
He referenced Section 97 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, arguing that ongoing proceedings under repealed legislation were required to continue under corresponding provisions of the new law.
He also cited the Supreme Court decision in Egigia v State, which he said established that a trial could not lawfully be conducted under a repealed law.
The IPOB official further referred to Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides constitutional safeguards concerning criminal offences and convictions.
He stressed that the claims represented the position of the IPOB/DOS administration as contained in the address.
Appeal Proceedings
Nwaọgụ disclosed that Kanu’s Appellant Brief was filed on June 5, 2026, alleging that the Federal Government had not filed its response within the prescribed period.
He also said proceedings commenced at the Supreme Court on November 7, 2025, challenging the legality of the court’s December 15, 2023 remittal judgment.
According to him, the Federal Government had yet to respond to the proceeding.
IPOB Raises Perjury Allegation
The IPOB official also raised allegations concerning a masked prosecution witness identified in the address as PW2, or “Mr BBB.”
Nwaọgụ claimed that the witness testified that he had never met Kanu before seeing him in court, arguing that the testimony should be subjected to further legal scrutiny.
He disclosed that Kanu had filed a criminal complaint before an Abuja Magistrate Court alleging perjury by the witness.
The allegations remain matters for determination by the relevant courts.
Enugu Security Concerns
The address also addressed reported attacks in parts of Enugu State.
Nwaọgụ referred to the August 2 attack on St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa community, Udi Local Government Area, as well as more recent attacks in Eziagu.
He alleged that residents had been displaced and accused the Enugu State Government and security agencies of failing to adequately protect affected communities.
He called on Governor Peter Mbah, traditional rulers, local government officials and lawmakers from Enugu State to publicly address the security situation and the allegations surrounding the attacks.
The statement, however, did not provide independent evidence establishing the allegations of official complicity contained in the address.
IPOB Reaffirms Position on ESN
Nwaọgụ also defended the Eastern Security Network (ESN), describing it as an organisation established to protect communities in the South-East.
He said ESN continued to operate in communities and called for support for its activities.
International Advocacy
On international relations, Nwaọgụ criticised the British Government over what he described as inadequate intervention in Kanu’s case.
He argued that Britain should use diplomatic and consular channels to raise concerns over the treatment of Kanu, whom he identified as a British citizen.
He also welcomed what he described as growing international discussions on the Biafran question, including comments attributed to Israeli strategic adviser Noga Arbal.
Nwaọgụ said IPOB would continue its international advocacy efforts in Washington, Jerusalem and other international centres.
Fundraising, Reconciliation
The IPOB/DOS leader appealed for financial support for the organisation’s legal teams, international lobbying activities, families of missing and detained persons, and other activities outlined in the address.
He also announced continued efforts to reconcile members and officers who had previously been expelled, suspended or sidelined during internal disputes.
Nwaọgụ maintained that the Fourth Administration recognised one IPOB command structure under Kanu and rejected the existence of an “Autopilot IPOB” or other competing IPOB structures.
He said reconciliation efforts would continue, but stressed that members would be expected to adhere to the organisation’s code of conduct.
Call for Kanu’s Release
Concluding the address, Nwaọgụ called for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release and demanded accountability for persons allegedly missing or unlawfully detained.
He urged authorities to charge suspects against whom there is sufficient evidence before competent courts, while those against whom there is no evidence should be released.
He further urged IPOB members to remain peaceful, disciplined and united.
“Biafra is coming,” Nwaọgụ declared, describing the movement’s stated objective as one being pursued through discipline, persistence, international engagement and what he termed lawful resistance.
The statement was signed by Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, Head of the Fourth Administration, Directorate of State, IPOB, and dated August 23, 2026.
