Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have commended the governors of Abia and Sokoto states, Dr Alex Otti and Ahmad Aliyu, for their recent visit to the group’s detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing the gesture as both “historic” and “surprising.”

In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB said Kanu’s arrest, extraordinary rendition from Kenya, continued detention, trial, conviction, and life sentence, as well as his transfer to a correctional facility in Sokoto amid worsening insecurity, amounted to what it described as extreme provocation against the group and the Igbo people.

The group further alleged that the Federal Government deployed security agencies to carry out what it termed “false-flag operations” in the South-East to fabricate evidence of violence and terrorism against IPOB and its leader.

IPOB also claimed that Kanu was imprisoned through what it described as a biased legal process, maintaining that his only offence was advocating for the rights of his people and pursuing self-determination in a country it accused of marginalising them since independence.

According to the statement, IPOB insisted that the alleged injustice would not be ignored until a comprehensive and independent investigation is conducted.

Part of the statement read: “The global family and movement of IPOB express appreciation to the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, and the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu, for their surprise visit to our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.

“We also commend other concerned Igbos, including residents in Sokoto. The alleged kidnapping, extraordinary rendition, prolonged detention, unlawful trial, life imprisonment, and transfer to Sokoto prison will not stand.

“The alleged use of state security forces for false-flag operations in the South-East to manufacture evidence of violence and terrorism against IPOB and Kanu is an injustice that must not be overlooked without a thorough independent investigation.”