The Head of the Directorate of State (HOD) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, has alleged that several individuals identified as members and supporters of the group remain detained in various correctional and military facilities across Nigeria without trial.
In a weekly address to Biafrans at home and in the diaspora, Nwaọgụ claimed that particular attention was being given to detainees allegedly held at the Wawa Military Barracks in Kainji, Niger State. He alleged that some of those detained were arrested during the #EndSARS protests and have remained in custody for years without prosecution.
According to him, the current IPOB leadership is working to establish contact with the families of those listed as missing or detained while seeking to draw international attention to their situation. He stated that the organisation intends to notify the United States government and members of the U.S. Congress regarding the alleged conditions and whereabouts of the detainees.
During the address, Nwaọgụ released a lengthy list of individuals he claimed were either detained, missing, or had died while in custody. He also alleged that some of the detainees had secured favourable court judgments but remained in detention despite those rulings.
The IPOB leader further said the organisation would continue updating the list as more information becomes available and expressed hope that international engagement would help secure the release of those allegedly detained.
Beyond the issue of detainees, Nwaọgụ appealed for peace in communities affected by insecurity in Anambra State, particularly in Ihiala Local Government Area. He said the organisation had been directed by its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to engage relevant stakeholders in resolving disputes and restoring normalcy in the affected communities.
He also reiterated IPOB's commitment to supporting the Eastern Security Network (ESN), while criticising what he described as past leadership failures that allegedly contributed to divisions within the group's security structure.
On the legal proceedings involving IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Nwaọgụ maintained that the organisation's appeal challenges the legality of the proscription of IPOB activities and argued that membership of the group is not unlawful. He further claimed that Kanu had filed a bail application to which the Federal Government had yet to respond.
Nwaọgụ urged supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding while expressing confidence that the pending legal proceedings would be resolved in Kanu's favour.
The Federal Government has consistently maintained that its actions against IPOB are in accordance with Nigerian law, while court proceedings relating to Nnamdi Kanu's case remain ongoing.
