In a weekly address issued on Sunday, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) alleged that 68 of its detained members were secretly transferred from Wawa Barracks to correctional facilities in Kuje, Keffi and Suleja, accusing the Federal Government of using the justice system to extend their detention.
IPOB’s Head of Directorate of State, Mazi Chris Nwaogu, said the group’s legal team had identified the 68 detainees and was working to secure their release, urging supporters to sustain legal efforts on behalf of those in custody. He also noted that the Court of Appeal had not yet listed an appeal challenging the conviction of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, despite the record of appeal having been compiled and transmitted.
Nwaogu claimed a separate fundamental‑rights suit concerning Kanu’s detention suffered a setback after the presiding judge reportedly announced that the court file was missing. The suit relates to Kanu’s 14‑month detention following his discharge by the Court of Appeal on 13 October 2022.
He further challenged the legal basis of Kanu’s conviction by Justice Omotosho on 20 November 2025, alleging that the judgment relied on a repealed law. Nwaogu cited Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides that a person cannot be convicted of a criminal offence unless the offence and its penalty are prescribed in written law.
IPOB also disowned an audio message circulating online that purportedly announced an enforced Monday sit‑at‑home across the South‑East. Nwaogu said neither the DOS nor the High Command of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) had authorised the action, warning residents to disregard the message and avoid actions that could provoke violence or disrupt economic activities in the region.
Finally, the group announced a phased political disengagement ahead of the 2027 general elections, directing supporters to boycott activities associated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), including rallies, flag displays and defending APC governors, while maintaining its broader boycott of the 2027 elections. Nwaogu cautioned supporters against violence, warned politicians against hijacking the boycott for personal gain, and reiterated IPOB’s demand for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release and for the judiciary to list his appeal for hearing.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
