Leadnaija
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the Federal Government of orchestrating a media campaign to demonize the group ahead of the court hearing of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful said the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government is deliberately manipulating public opinion in a bid to cover up what he described as a “baseless case” against Kanu. CONTINUE READING
“We strongly condemn the Nigerian government’s orchestrated media campaign to demonize our movement, particularly as the court hearing of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, approaches,” Powerful said.
“No Conviction, No Case” – IPOB
Powerful insisted that no member of IPOB has ever been convicted in any Nigerian court, stating that the movement remains peaceful and non-violent, despite ongoing efforts by authorities to brand it a terrorist organization.
“For four years, government-friendly media houses have peddled false narratives, labeling IPOB as violent to sway public opinion and influence Abuja-based courts.”
He further alleged that the government is using fabricated reports to paint IPOB as violent, including recent claims of a “police raid on an IPOB terror camp” in Imo State.
“IPOB maintains no camps in Imo or anywhere else,” the group clarified.
Government Scapegoating and Misinformation
According to IPOB, the government’s campaign is a cover-up to divert attention from ongoing insecurity and the “Fulani-led massacres” across the country.
“The APC government has no case against Kanu,” Powerful stated. “They continue to scapegoat IPOB while ignoring verified reports of violence involving actors like Asari Dokubo and the Biafra Liberation Army, who are not affiliated with IPOB.”
He accused Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma of colluding with rogue elements, and criticized mainstream media outlets for allegedly ignoring these revelations in favor of “profitable lies.”
What’s Next?
As the legal battle surrounding Nnamdi Kanu heats up, IPOB says it will continue to pursue a democratic referendum for Biafra, rejecting violence while calling out what it describes as state-sponsored propaganda.
