IGBOZURUOKE MEDIA

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has debunked the comments made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in which he was said to have suggested that negotiations are ongoing for the release of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement released on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB described Umahi’s remarks as “reckless and contemptuous,” dismissing the claims as “laughable propaganda” allegedly designed to mislead the public and demoralise supporters of the Biafran Nation agitation.

“The attention of the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been drawn to the reckless and contemptuous utterances of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who claimed that negotiations are ongoing for the release of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement read. 

“This laughable propaganda…is nothing short of an insult, both to his person and to the millions of the people of the South-East whose hopes he embodies.”

IPOB stressed that Kanu has not entered into any form of negotiation with the Nigerian government that includes conditions for his release, reiterating its longstanding demand for a United Nations-supervised referendum to determine the political future of the Biafran people.

“There is no negotiation whatsoever that involves Mazi Nnamdi Kanu accepting any so-called ‘conditions’ from the Nigerian government. None. Absolutely none,” the statement emphasised.

“He is a freedom fighter… The only ‘condition’ is this: a UN-supervised referendum or plebiscite for the people of Biafra to determine their future.”

The group also highlighted what it described as the ongoing illegal detention of Kanu, noting that he has spent nearly seven years in custody, five of which have been in solitary confinement under harsh conditions. 

IPOB recalled that Kanu has endured “torture, physical abuse, and humiliation,” suffered the loss of both parents, and faced “judicial terrorism” through repeated charges and secret trials.

“What makes any rational person think such a man, who has sacrificed everything, will now grovel for release under ridiculous ‘conditions’?” IPOB asked rhetorically.

The statement also took a swipe at controversial figure Simon Ekpa, referencing his public retraction in a Finnish court where he reportedly disavowed claims of leading a “Biafran government-in-exile.” 

IPOB used the example to contrast what it sees as genuine sacrifice with opportunistic posturing.

IPOB therefore warned Umahi and others to “desist from peddling lies and false hopes,” reiterating that Kanu’s freedom must be based solely on justice, not negotiation or political compromise.

“No Jupiter, no mortal, no regime, no matter how brutal or deceptive, can make Mazi Nnamdi Kanu drop the agitation for Biafra,” the group declared. 

“The Nigerian state is compounding its own crisis by detaining Mazi Nnamdi Kanu illegally. Let them be reminded that continued injustice only breeds resistance.”

Kanu has been held in custody of the Department of the State Services by the Nigerian authorities since his arrest and extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021. 

Amid numerous legal battles, calls for his release have continued from both local and international rights groups.

Sahara Reporters