The Indigenous People of Biafra has alleged there is a coordinated plan to assassinate its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and says it will take legal action against News Central Television and several individuals over comments made on air.
In a memo released on Monday and signed by spokesman Emma Powerful, IPOB condemned remarks by businessman Chigozie Nnabugwu during an appearance on News Central TV’s “Breakfast Xtra.” Nnabugwu was quoted as saying the federal government should execute Kanu, arguing it would bring “normalcy” to the South-East.
“If Nnamdi Kanu is dead today, if the government of Nigeria will kill Nnamdi Kanu, trust me, normalcy will start coming. That’s all every Igbo man prays for,” Nnabugwu said, according to a report monitored by SaharaReporters.
IPOB called the comments “dangerous” and accused Nnabugwu of speaking for political interests opposed to Kanu and to the Biafran agitation.
“Our hearts bleed with righteous anger, yet our spirits burn with unquenchable fire. The enemies of Biafra have once again shown their ugly, blood-stained hands in broad daylight,” Powerful said.
The group said the broadcast fits “the same worn-out playbook” used to undermine the movement after it records gains. IPOB also alleged the government has tried to eliminate Kanu before, referencing claims it attributed to former Attorney General Abubakar Malami. It added that Kanu rejected four offers of freedom in exchange for dropping Biafra.
IPOB further claimed insecurity in the South-East worsened only after Kanu’s arrest and extradition from Kenya in June 2021, and alleged that violence was sponsored to discredit IPOB and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network. Nigerian authorities have consistently blamed attacks in the region on criminal elements and have linked many of them to IPOB and ESN, allegations the group denies.
The group said it will sue News Central Television, Nnabugwu, Reno Omokri, former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, and others unnamed over what it described as defamatory statements.
“We are taking this to court. News Central, this so-called businessman, Reno Omokri, Bashir Ahmed, Nneka Chimezie and every other sponsored liar – prepare your evidence. Present in open court what the Nigerian government could not tender in over ten years of persecution,” Powerful stated.
IPOB urged supporters to “remain resolute” and said the push for a referendum is “non-negotiable.” It also warned of retaliation if any harm comes to Kanu.
Kanu has been in DSS custody since June 2021. In November 2025 he was sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges.
