The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, of masterminding what it described as a “fake Ohanaeze propaganda syndicate,” claiming that recent statements attributed to a faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo were fabricated to discredit the ongoing campaign for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 16, 2025, by its spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB alleged that a report published by Daily Post Nigeria — quoting a so-called Ohanaeze faction rejecting the planned nationwide protest for Kanu’s release — was a “shameless piece of propaganda” linked to political interests in Abuja.
“There Is Only One Legitimate Ohanaeze”
According to the statement, IPOB maintained that the only recognized Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is led by Senator Mbata, not the “disgraced impostor” Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who the group claimed is currently receiving medical treatment in India.
“Isiguzoro is not in Nigeria; he is in an Indian hospital. What we are seeing is the handiwork of a fake Ohanaeze cell created by Umahi to confuse, divide and distract the Igbo from the central issue — the illegal detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the group stated.
Umahi, Simon Ekpa, and the “Fake Faction” Tactics
IPOB accused Umahi of attempting to undermine the Igbo liberation struggle by sponsoring fake press releases and factional groups, comparing the alleged tactics to those used in the Simon Ekpa controversy.
“The same enemies of the Igbo nation once recruited Simon Ekpa to derail the Biafra movement. Now they are using a fake Ohanaeze wing as a propaganda tool,” the statement read.
Call for Unity and Resistance
The pro-Biafra organization called on Igbos worldwide to disregard what it described as “fake news factories” and remain united in the peaceful #FreeMaziNnamdiKanuNow movement, describing it as a “protest of conscience” against injustice.
“No true Igbo son or daughter will oppose a peaceful march calling for justice and freedom for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Emma Powerful said.
“Those who continue to impersonate Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the service of their Abuja masters are modern-day warrant chiefs — enemies of their own people.”
IPOB reaffirmed that it stands in alliance with the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Global Defence Consortium, Ohanaeze under Senator Mbata, and other pro-Igbo groups in the campaign for Kanu’s release.
The statement concluded:
“Umahi’s propaganda machine has failed. The Igbo nation has woken up. The voice of truth cannot be silenced by a rented press statement.”