IPOB Raises Fresh Alarm Over Kanu’s Conviction, Demands Immediate Release

• IPOB’s Chris Nwaọgụ has highlighted the group’s legal and international advocacy activities, raised fresh questions over Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction, and called for his immediate release.

The Head of the Fourth Administration of the Directorate of State (DOS) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, has highlighted the group’s recent legal, human rights and international advocacy activities, while calling for unity and continued support for its campaign for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In a weekly address dated August 23, 2026, Nwaọgụ said IPOB’s legal team held a world press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Headquarters in Umuahia on August 17, where it presented allegations concerning the detention, disappearance and treatment of people in the South-East.

According to him, the event featured testimonies from families and survivors, medical records and photographs. He also noted that Amnesty International held a separate world press briefing in Umuahia on August 20.

Nwaọgụ said the legal team raised questions about the constitutional rights of people allegedly detained by security agencies, including their right to personal liberty, fair hearing and protection from enforced disappearance.

He called for greater transparency regarding people whose whereabouts remain unknown, those allegedly held in military and security facilities, detainees at Wawa detention centre and people who have died in custody.

IPOB Raises Questions Over Nnamdi Kanu Conviction

A significant portion 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Nwaọgụ argued that Kanu’s conviction should be overturned, alleging that the prosecution relied on provisions of a repealed terrorism law.

He referenced Section 97 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, arguing that ongoing proceedings under repealed legislation were required to continue under corresponding provisions of the new law.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Court decision in Egigia v State, which he said established that a trial could not lawfully be conducted under a repealed law.

Nwaọgụ further invoked Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides constitutional safeguards concerning criminal offences and convictions.

The claims represent the position of the IPOB/DOS administration as stated in the address.

Appeal Proceedings

Nwaọgụ also discussed Kanu’s pending appeal, stating that Kanu’s Appellant Brief was filed on June 5, 2026, and alleging that the Federal Government had not filed its response within the prescribed period.

He further said proceedings commenced at the Supreme Court on November 7, 2025, challenging the legality of the Supreme Court’s December 15, 2023 remittal judgment.

The address alleged that the Federal Government had yet to respond to that proceeding.

Masked Witness and Perjury Complaint

The IPOB official also raised allegations concerning a masked prosecution witness identified in the address as PW2, or “Mr BBB.”

Nwaọgụ claimed the witness testified that he had never met Kanu before seeing him in court. He argued that the testimony should therefore 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 the relevant courts to determine.

Enugu Security Situation

The address also addressed attacks reported 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 Nigerian 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 allegations surrounding the attacks.

The address did not provide independent evidence establishing the allegations of official complicity contained in the statement.

IPOB Reaffirms Position on ESN

Nwaọgụ also defended the Eastern Security Network (ESN), describing it as an organisation responsible for protecting 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 a failure to adequately intervene 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 discussion about 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 and Reconciliation

The IPOB/DOS leader appealed for financial support for the group’s legal teams, international lobbying activities, families of missing and detained people, and other activities outlined in the address.

He also announced continued efforts to reconcile members and officers who were previously expelled, suspended or sidelined during internal disputes.

Nwaọgụ insisted that the Fourth Administration recognised one IPOB command structure under Kanu and rejected the existence of an “Autopilot IPOB” or competing IPOB structures.

He said the organisation’s reconciliation efforts would continue, but stressed that members would be expected to adhere to its code of conduct.

Call for Release of Kanu

Concluding the address, Nwaọgụ called for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release and demanded that authorities account for people allegedly missing or unlawfully detained.

He called for suspects against whom there is sufficient evidence to be charged before competent courts, while those against whom there is no evidence should be released.

He also urged IPOB members to remain peaceful, disciplined and united.

“Biafra is coming,” Nwaọgụ declared, while describing the movement’s stated objective as 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.