— Calls on Nigerians, Judiciary to Provide Evidence of Any Terrorist Act Before 2017 Ban

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condemned the Nigerian government's 2017 proscription of the movement, describing it as an “executive fraud rubber-stamped by a compromised judiciary.” In a fiery press statement issued by IPOB’s spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group insists that its proscription has no legal basis and violates fundamental constitutional rights.

The statement challenges both the executive and judiciary, alleging that the decision to label IPOB a terrorist organization was politically motivated, lacking in both due process and evidence. “We issue a global challenge: Point to one terrorist act committed by IPOB prior to its proscription in September of 2017. Just one. There is none,” the statement reads.

According to IPOB, the controversial proscription was facilitated by then-Attorney General Abubakar Malami, who allegedly sidestepped legal procedures to obtain an ex parte ruling from Justice Abdul Kafarati of the Federal High Court. The group claims this was in “clear violation” of Section 36(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees a fair hearing for any person or group before legal actions are taken against them.

Constitutional Violations Cited

IPOB argues that its right to a fair hearing—protected under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)—was ignored. It cites further provisions in Sections 45(1) and (2), which emphasize that the right to a fair trial is “non-derogable,” even under circumstances of national emergency.

“No person shall be held to be guilty of a criminal offence... unless that offence is defined and the penalty is prescribed in a written law,” the statement quotes, emphasizing that IPOB was proscribed and criminalized without such a legal basis.

Forum Shopping and Judicial Ambush

IPOB further criticizes what it calls “forum shopping,” where the government reportedly sought a contradictory court ruling from Justice Kafarati despite an earlier decision by another Federal High Court that IPOB is not an unlawful society. That initial ruling, IPOB says, was never appealed and remains binding.

“The same judiciary which held IPOB is not unlawful cannot turn around to criminalize it through the back door,” the statement asserts.

IPOB Defends Peaceful Advocacy

IPOB reaffirmed its position as a peaceful and non-violent organization, stating that its only “crime” is advocating for Biafra. “We did not kill. We did not bomb. We did not burn. But we were punished—because we are Igbo. Because we dared to speak the name Biafra.”

Calls for Accountability and Constitutional Integrity

The group also questioned why the Nigerian government has failed to present any concrete evidence justifying the 2017 ban. “If there is no evidence—and indeed there is none—then the proscription is not just illegal; it is criminal,” the release declared.

Emma Powerful concluded by reiterating IPOB’s commitment to non-violence, justice, and constitutional order, vowing that “no amount of judicial fraud, executive violence, or media blackmail will erase our identity, destroy our resolve, or suppress our truth.”

The statement comes amid renewed national and international attention on the ongoing detention of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whose case has raised questions about the rule of law, ethnic bias, and the limits of political dissent in Nigeria.