The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has described recent remarks made by U.S. Congressman John James concerning the detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as a significant milestone in its campaign for self-determination.
Speaking during his weekly address on Sunday, the Head of the Fourth Administration of the Directorate of State (DOS), Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, said the comments made by the Michigan congressman on the floor of the United States House of Representatives represent what he described as a major shift in international attention toward Kanu's case and the activities of IPOB.
According to the IPOB leader, Congressman James criticized the treatment of Christians in Nigeria and called on the Nigerian government to either conduct what he described as a fair trial for Nnamdi Kanu or release him unconditionally. He argued that the intervention has elevated Kanu's case beyond Nigeria's borders and placed it before the international community.
Nwaọgụ further commended IPOB representatives in the United States for what he described as years of strategic engagement that culminated in the congressional remarks, adding that the comments now form part of the official Congressional Record.
The IPOB official also dismissed claims allegedly made by former members of the group's dissolved Third Administration regarding negotiations for Kanu's release, describing the reports as false and intended to create division within the movement.
Highlighting what he described as the movement's legal successes, Nwaọgụ claimed that Nigerian courts have delivered multiple judgments in favour of Kanu and IPOB, including awards totalling ₦9.5 billion in damages. He maintained that the judgments remain valid because, according to him, they have not been successfully overturned.
He also referenced decisions by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, the United Nations, and the Kenya High Court, arguing that the rulings strengthened IPOB's position internationally.
During the address, the IPOB leader raised concerns over the welfare of detained persons whom the group identifies as Biafrans, alleging that many have remained in detention under poor conditions. He disclosed that IPOB's legal team would soon brief the public on efforts being made to secure their release.
Nwaọgụ reiterated IPOB's position that the proscription of the group remains the subject of ongoing legal proceedings and insisted that the movement would continue pursuing its objectives through legal and diplomatic channels. He also maintained that Kanu's conviction would be challenged on appeal.
He concluded by stating that recent developments, including activities involving IPOB supporters in the United States, demonstrate what he described as growing international engagement with the group's campaign.
