IPOB blasts ‘rented traitor’ behind call to assasinate Kanu
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It added that spilling Kanu’s blood would only “water the tree of freedom” and deepen the resolve of his followers.
The Indigenous People of Biafra has warned that killing its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, would intensify the agitation for Biafra rather than restore peace in the South-East.
IPOB issued the warning in a July 20 memo signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, following controversial remarks made by businessman Chigozie Nnabugwu during a News Central television programme.
Nnabugwu reportedly argued that Kanu’s death would help restore normalcy to the South-East.
Reacting, IPOB condemned the comments as a call for extrajudicial killing and accused the businessman of representing political interests opposed to the separatist movement.
The group insisted that eliminating Kanu would not destroy the demand for Biafra but could produce a more determined generation of agitators.
“You cannot kill an idea by threatening to kill its messenger,” IPOB stated.
It added that spilling Kanu’s blood would only “water the tree of freedom” and deepen the resolve of his followers.
IPOB also accused the Federal Government of attempting to distract attention from what it described as recent international progress made by the group, including an appearance by its representatives at the Israeli parliament.
The group alleged that Kanu was being held in solitary confinement at the Sokoto Custodial Centre with restricted access to his lawyers and family.
It further claimed that insecurity in the South-East worsened after Kanu was returned to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021, blaming the violence on politically sponsored armed groups. It provided no independent evidence supporting the allegation.
IPOB also threatened legal action against News Central, Nnabugwu and several public commentators, including Reno Omokri, Bashir Ahmad and Nneka Chimezie.
The group said those accused of making damaging claims against Kanu should be prepared to defend their statements in court.
IPOB urged its members and supporters worldwide to remain committed to its demand for a referendum, describing the campaign for Biafran self-determination as non-negotiable.
Kanu is currently serving a life sentence at the Sokoto Custodial Centre after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court convicted him on seven terrorism-related charges in November 2025
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