The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) issued a stern warning to the Nigerian government on Friday, cautioning against any harm coming to its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Emma Powerful, the spokesman of IPOB, accused the Nigerian government of planning the systematic murder of Kanu through the judiciary. He alleged that Kanu’s health has deteriorated in detention and accused the DSS of using experimental drugs and practices for his serious health issues.
In a statement signed by Powerful, IPOB highlighted the dire situation surrounding Kanu’s health and his prolonged detention despite being discharged and acquitted by the Appeal Court in Abuja.
“The DSS lacks proper medical facilities to take care of his falling heart conditions. The Appeal Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted him, yet the lawless Nigerian government has decided not to free him by using the corrupt legal system in Nigeria. They have also decided not to give him access to appropriate medical care,” the statement read.
The group warned of dire consequences if anything untoward happens to Kanu, stating, “The IPOB family is informing the Nigerian government and its judiciary that IPOB will avenge anybody or group that has a hand in the persecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu if anything untoward happens to him.”
IPOB emphasized that Kanu’s life is a potential trigger that could escalate tensions in Nigeria and urged Igbo politicians to act wisely in ensuring his safety.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s life is a trigger that can consume Nigeria and the generations unborn,” the statement asserted.
The group called on the international community and human rights organizations to intervene and ensure Kanu’s release unconditionally, emphasizing that IPOB will not tolerate any further harm to their leader.
“The International Community, United Nations, European Union (EU), African Union (AU), Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Intersociety, and all the reputable human rights activists and organisations across the globe must not blame IPOB should we take laws into our own hands when the time comes. When injustice becomes a law, resistance becomes a duty,” the statement concluded.
The statement from IPOB underscores growing concerns over Kanu’s health and the ongoing legal battles surrounding his detention, raising international attention to the situation.
