The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused a man identified as Chigozie Nnabugwu of calling for the extrajudicial killing of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing the alleged remarks as dangerous, provocative, and an attempt to incite violence against the detained separatist leader.
In an internal memo dated July 20, 2026, and signed by IPOB's Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group claimed that Nnabugwu made the remarks during an appearance on News Central Television, where he allegedly suggested that killing Kanu would restore peace in Nigeria's South-East.
According to IPOB, the comments were part of what it described as a coordinated campaign to demonise Kanu and weaken the movement's growing international support.
The group alleged that the television appearance came shortly after what it described as its "monumental outing" at the Israeli Parliament (Knesset), arguing that opponents of the Biafra agitation were attempting to divert attention from what it considers recent diplomatic successes.
Emma Powerful rejected the notion that the alleged comments represented the views of the Igbo people, accusing Nnabugwu of acting as a political proxy.
"This is not the voice of any true Igbo man. This is the voice of a rented traitor," the statement read.
IPOB further alleged that Kanu remains in prolonged solitary confinement with limited access to his lawyers and family members, insisting that the detained leader has remained committed to the group's quest for self-determination despite years of detention.
The statement claimed that Kanu had allegedly been offered freedom on multiple occasions in exchange for abandoning the Biafra movement but refused every offer. However, the group did not provide evidence to support the claim.
Emma Powerful also argued that insecurity in the South-East escalated only after Kanu's arrest and extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021, alleging that armed groups were deliberately sponsored to justify the continued prosecution of the IPOB leader. These allegations have not been independently verified.
The IPOB spokesman criticised the ongoing legal proceedings against Kanu and claimed that recent court developments had weakened the Federal Government's case.
According to the statement, the group believes the government has failed to respond to aspects of Kanu's appeal and bail application, which it described as evidence that the prosecution's case lacks merit. These claims remain matters before the courts.
Emma Powerful also made reference to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, alleging that Malami had admitted that there were previous plots to assassinate Kanu but that such plans were allegedly prevented by a foreign country. No evidence was provided in the statement to substantiate this allegation.
The IPOB spokesman warned that the organisation would institute legal proceedings against News Central Television, Chigozie Nnabugwu and several other individuals, including Reno Omokri, Bashir Ahmad and Nneka Chimezie.
He said the proposed lawsuit would seek to compel those named to present evidence in court for statements allegedly made against Kanu and the organisation.
The statement urged IPOB members and supporters across the world to remain steadfast and continue supporting the movement's campaign for a referendum on Biafra's independence.
Emma Powerful called on supporters to expose what he described as misinformation, remain united, and continue advocating for the group's objectives through lawful means.
The Federal Government has consistently maintained that Nnamdi Kanu is facing prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law over terrorism-related charges, while Kanu has repeatedly denied the allegations against him. His legal team continues to challenge various aspects of the proceedings before the courts.
As of the time of filing this report, News Central Television, Chigozie Nnabugwu, Reno Omokri, Bashir Ahmad and Nneka Chimezie had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in IPOB's statement.