The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has described the ongoing trial of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, as a “political drama built on lies, illegality, and ethnic bias.”
In a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB alleged that the proceedings scheduled for October 8 represent another round of “judicial deceit and executive interference,” claiming that the process has lost credibility.
The group accused the presiding judge, Justice Omotosho, of acting in favour of “his fellow tribesman in Aso Rock,” adding that the judiciary has become “a lapdog of the executive.” According to IPOB, the case continues under a repealed law — the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 — despite the enactment of the 2022 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
“No valid trial can proceed under a dead law,” the statement read. “Justice Omotosho’s refusal to acknowledge this repeal violates every known legal principle and mocks the sacred oath of office.”
IPOB further condemned the use of what it described as “a black-market ex parte order” and accused the Nigerian judiciary of “collapsing under the weight of executive intimidation and ethnic partisanship.”
The group also referenced a Supreme Court observation that Justice Nyako acted unlawfully in revoking Kanu’s previous bail, lamenting that the matter has since stalled due to what it called “Presidency interference.”
“Let no one expect justice on October 8. Nigeria has long lost its soul. The executive has no shame, the legislature no voice, and the judiciary no honour left,” the statement continued.
Reaffirming its position, IPOB maintained that it remains peaceful and resolute in its pursuit of self-determination, while calling on the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS to “take note of Nigeria’s continued violation of international obligations.”
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu committed no crime known to law. His only offence is demanding freedom for his people,” the statement concluded.
