The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has given the Federal Government of Nigeria a 14-day ultimatum to list and hear the appeal involving its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, warning that it may reconsider its participation in upcoming elections if the matter remains unresolved.
The ultimatum was issued in a weekly address delivered on Sunday, August 30, 2026, by Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, who identified himself as the Head of the Fourth Administration of IPOB's Directorate of State (DOS).
According to Nwaọgụ, the Federal Government had allegedly failed to file a Respondent's Brief or take steps to list Kanu's appeal for hearing.
He argued that the government should be prepared to defend the conviction if it believes the legal process that led to it was justified.
“We are giving them fourteen days to list and hear Onyendu’s appeal,” Nwaọgụ said.
He warned that IPOB would review its position and could consider calling for a boycott of future elections across the South-East and other areas if the appeal was not heard within the stated period.
IPOB Announces Fundraising for Kanu, Detainees and ESN
Nwaọgụ also disclosed that IPOB members and executives had completed a fundraising exercise aimed at supporting the welfare of Nnamdi Kanu and other detainees.
According to him, the funds would cover legal and medical expenses, with support reportedly already reaching detainees in Port Harcourt, while attention would subsequently shift to facilities in Owerri, Enugu and Abakaliki.
He further stated that IPOB would continue to support the Eastern Security Network (ESN), adding that a separate fundraising exercise would be organised through IPOB family meetings across Africa.
He urged members to wait for official communication regarding the planned fundraising activities.
IPOB Questions Supreme Court Decision on Quashed Charges
A major part of the address focused on IPOB's criticism of aspects of the Supreme Court's handling of legal issues surrounding Kanu's case.
Nwaọgụ specifically questioned the legal implications of the Supreme Court's decision regarding charges that had earlier been quashed by the Court of Appeal.
He argued that while an appellate court could correct another court's decision on issues relating to jurisdiction, it could not create or restore jurisdiction over charges that had already been quashed.
According to him, IPOB believes the proper legal approach would have been to set aside the Court of Appeal's decision and remit the matter for retrial only where constitutionally permissible.
“An order of remittal can send a living case to a court. It cannot, by itself, raise a dead count from the grave and make it triable,” he said.
The IPOB leader maintained that the organisation would continue to challenge what it described as legal and judicial irregularities surrounding Kanu's detention and prosecution.
IPOB Claims Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Nwaọgụ also said IPOB's diplomatic activities outside Nigeria were continuing, mentioning engagements and initiatives involving Jerusalem and Washington, D.C.
He claimed that international questions were increasingly being raised concerning Kanu's case, his extraordinary rendition, allegations of religious persecution and Nigeria's adherence to constitutional and international legal principles.
The group also renewed its criticism of the British government over its handling of issues concerning Kanu, who is a British citizen.
IPOB Calls for Unity, Discipline
The DOS head further called on IPOB members to remain united and disciplined, insisting that the organisation remained under what he described as one leadership structure.
He warned against factions and individuals allegedly creating alternative titles or leadership groups within the organisation.
Nwaọgụ concluded by demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu and calling for authorities to account for missing persons and detainees.
He also urged the Nigerian government to either formally charge individuals against whom it has cases or release those without valid charges.
“Nigeria: you have fourteen days,” he declared.
