The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has publicly addressed reports surrounding a $100,000 payment made to lawyers involved in the legal defence of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in a move aimed at clarifying growing speculation about the transaction.
In a statement released on March 5, 2026, the Head of IPOB’s Finance Directorate, Madam Nnennaya Anya, confirmed that the payment was made to accounts designated by prominent Nigerian constitutional lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
According to the statement, the total sum of $100,000 was transferred in two separate instalments following what she described as direct instructions from Kanu himself, who remains in detention while facing legal proceedings in Nigeria.
Breakdown of the Payment
Madam Anya explained that the payment was structured into two phases:
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First instalment: $80,000
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Second instalment: $20,000
She noted that the funds were strictly intended to support the legal representation and defence of the IPOB leader in his ongoing case.
“The transaction was duly authorized and executed solely for purposes related to the legal representation and defence of our leader,” Anya said in the statement.
Legal Team Involved
The legal team representing Kanu includes several high-profile lawyers, notably Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, and human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who has long served as Kanu’s lead counsel.
Ozekhome, a respected constitutional lawyer in Nigeria, joined Kanu’s legal team during the ongoing court proceedings related to allegations brought against the separatist leader by the Nigerian government.
IPOB Emphasizes Transparency
In the statement, Anya stressed that the clarification was necessary to avoid misunderstanding and counter circulating claims regarding the financial arrangement.
She also revealed that all records and documentation relating to the payment are properly documented within the IPOB Finance Directorate and can be verified internally if required.
“This statement is issued in the interest of transparency, accountability, and to dispel any misinformation or speculation surrounding the matter,” she said.
Background to Kanu’s Case
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, has been at the center of a long-running legal battle with Nigerian authorities over allegations including terrorism-related offences linked to the activities of the separatist movement.
IPOB advocates for the creation of an independent state of Biafra in Nigeria’s southeast region, a campaign that has generated both support and controversy within the country.
Kanu’s detention and trial have continued to draw widespread attention from supporters, human rights groups, and political observers, both within Nigeria and internationally.
Ongoing Debate
The latest clarification from IPOB is expected to further fuel discussions around the funding of Kanu’s legal defence and the broader activities of the organization.
While IPOB maintains that the payment was legitimate and properly authorized, the issue has remained a subject of public debate amid ongoing legal proceedings.
The statement was signed by Madam Nnennaya Anya on behalf of the Indigenous People of Biafra and dated March 5, 2026.