Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Indigenous People of Biafra has raised a fresh alarm over what it describes as a coordinated plot to assassinate its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, following comments made by entrepreneur Chigozie Nnabugwu during a television programme that the separatist group described as dangerous, provocative, and an attempt to incite violence against the imprisoned separatist leader. In a statement issued on Monday, July 20, 2026, and signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB accused Nnabugwu of calling for Kanu's extrajudicial killing during an appearance on News Central Television's Breakfast Xtra programme, where he allegedly suggested that executing Kanu would restore normalcy and peace in Nigeria's South-East region.
According to IPOB, Nnabugwu, during the broadcast monitored by SaharaReporters, argued that insecurity in the South-East had reduced significantly since the arrests of key separatist figures and claimed that Kanu's death would further restore peace. "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 was quoted as saying. IPOB condemned the remarks as part of what it described as a coordinated campaign to demonise Kanu and weaken the movement's growing international support, alleging that the television appearance came shortly after what it described as its "monumental outing" at the Israeli Parliament, arguing that opponents of the Biafra agitation were attempting to divert attention from recent diplomatic successes.
In response, IPOB announced plans to institute legal proceedings against News Central Television, Chigozie Nnabugwu, Reno Omokri, former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, and other unnamed individuals over alleged defamatory and malicious statements directed at Kanu. The group warned those named to prepare their evidence and present in open court what the Nigerian government could not tender in over ten years of persecution. "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 also rejected allegations linking it to insecurity in the South-East, claiming that violence in the region escalated only after Kanu's arrest and extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021. The group alleged that criminal activities were orchestrated to discredit the organisation and justify the continued prosecution of its leader. "Where was this insecurity before his rendition in June 2021? The APC government and their South-East collaborators created the chaos through sponsored militias to justify their sham trials," the statement read. Nigerian authorities have consistently blamed violent attacks in the South-East on criminal elements and have repeatedly linked many of the incidents to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, allegations the group has consistently denied.
The group further claimed that Kanu had been offered freedom on multiple occasions in exchange for abandoning the Biafra movement but rejected every offer. IPOB also alleged that the Nigerian government had repeatedly attempted to eliminate Kanu in the past, citing claims attributed to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. However, the group did not provide evidence to substantiate these allegations. The Federal Government has consistently maintained that Kanu is facing prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law over terrorism-related charges, while Kanu has repeatedly denied the allegations against him.
Kanu, the leader of IPOB, is serving a life sentence after he was convicted in November 2025 on terrorism-related charges. He had remained in the custody of the Department of State Services following his return to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021. The group's latest threat of legal action adds to a series of defamation suits previously filed by Kanu against Reno Omokri, including a N60 billion defamation suit over alleged malicious and reckless publications, which Omokri has described as frivolous and an abuse of court processes. As the legal battles continue, IPOB has urged its members and supporters across the world to remain steadfast and continue supporting the movement's campaign for a referendum on Biafra's independence, calling on them to expose what it described as misinformation and continue advocating for the group's objectives through lawful means.
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