IPOB Slams Tinubu’s Aide Over Kanu Conviction Comparison, Insists ‘Biafra Restoration Is Unstoppable’

• The Indigenous People of Biafra has faulted comments credited to a presidential aide comparing Nnamdi Kanu’s terrorism conviction with Sunday Igboho’s activism.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reacted strongly to comments attributed to a presidential aide concerning the conviction of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

In a press release dated February 17, 2026, and signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB criticised remarks reportedly made by Sunday Dare, an aide to President Bola Tinubu. The comments, according to IPOB, suggested that Kanu’s terrorism conviction was different from the activism of Yoruba agitator Sunday Igboho.

IPOB described the comparison as misleading and accused the federal government of ethnic bias and judicial persecution in the handling of Kanu’s case. The group argued that Kanu’s activities should be viewed within the broader context of global self-determination struggles.

Drawing parallels with historical figures, IPOB cited individuals such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Kwame Nkrumah, and Julius Nyerere — noting that many were imprisoned or criminalised during their struggles but later became celebrated figures in history.

The group also referenced Obafemi Awolowo, recalling his 1963 conviction for treasonable felony, and questioned what it described as a “double standard” in the treatment of Kanu.

IPOB further alleged that Kanu’s conviction followed a process it considers unfair, pointing to the involvement of Justice James Omotosho and other officials under the current administration. It maintained that the legal outcome was predetermined and politically influenced — claims that the federal government has consistently denied.

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The statement also defended the creation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), arguing that it was established to protect communities in the South-East from insecurity. IPOB claimed that the security challenges facing various regions of the country underscore the warnings previously raised by its leader.

Reaffirming its position, the group insisted that the agitation for Biafra remains strong despite Kanu’s detention. It stated that continued prosecution would not weaken the resolve of its members.

The statement concluded with a declaration that the movement remains committed to its objective of Biafra’s restoration.