The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu and the Department of State Services (DSS), insisting that Nigeria is courting disaster if anything happens to its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement released on Tuesday, IPOB cautioned that the continued detention of Kanu despite multiple court rulings in his favour reflects a pattern of injustice that could trigger uncontrollable consequences.
The group alleged that Kanu’s deteriorating health in DSS custody has been ignored by the federal government, warning that his mistreatment amounts to “deliberately endangering the peace and stability of the country.”
“Nigeria is playing with fire. If anything untoward happens to our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the Tinubu-led government and DSS will be held responsible. The world should understand that we have exhausted all legal and diplomatic avenues, yet the government continues to treat our people with disdain,” the statement partly read.
IPOB maintained that its demand is not just for Kanu’s immediate release but also for respect of the rule of law.
Background
Nnamdi Kanu, arrested in June 2021 and detained by the DSS, is facing charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony. While Nigerian courts have issued rulings calling for his release, the federal government has continued to hold him, citing national security concerns.
Over the years, Kanu has remained a controversial figure—praised by his supporters as a freedom fighter but regarded by the government as a separatist threat to Nigeria’s unity. His trial and detention have repeatedly heightened tensions in the South-East, where IPOB enjoys significant grassroots support.
Calls for Dialogue
Civil society groups, religious leaders, and international observers have consistently urged the federal government to engage IPOB in dialogue rather than relying solely on force. They argue that Kanu’s prolonged detention without resolution risks inflaming existing grievances in the region.
Meanwhile, IPOB’s latest warning signals growing frustration within the movement. The group emphasized that its agitation is rooted in the protection of the rights and dignity of its people, adding that the federal government would be responsible for any “avoidable catastrophe” that results from Kanu’s mistreatment.
What Next
Observers say the federal government now faces renewed pressure to either fast-track Kanu’s trial or explore political solutions to defuse tensions. With the South-East already grappling with insecurity, the stakes remain high for both Abuja and IPOB supporters.
