Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, who identifies himself as Head of the Fourth Administration of the Directorate of State (DOS) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has claimed that international pressure over the continued detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu is increasing.
Nwaọgụ made the claim in his weekly address issued on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in which he discussed developments surrounding Kanu’s legal case, international advocacy, the proposed 2027 elections and recent security incidents in Nigeria.
According to him, a member of Israel’s Knesset, MK Afef Abed, had written to the United Nations concerning Kanu’s detention.
Nwaọgụ said the letter, dated September 1, was addressed to the UN Secretary-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Chair-Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
He claimed that the Israeli lawmaker called for the implementation of UN Working Group Opinion No. 25/2022, which concerns Kanu’s detention and had previously called for remedies including his release.
Nwaọgụ also referenced earlier advocacy in the United States Congress and efforts in Catalonia, describing them as evidence of what he called growing international attention to Kanu’s case.
Piddington referendum
The IPOB official also referred to a recent symbolic referendum in Piddington, Oxfordshire, where residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of declaring independence from the United Kingdom.
According to reports, 285 of the 312 votes cast supported the symbolic secession. The vote, however, has no legal force and does not constitute an actual withdrawal from the United Kingdom. It was organised amid opposition to plans to accommodate more than 1,000 asylum seekers at a former military site nearby.
Nwaọgụ linked the development to Kanu’s longstanding arguments about self-determination, saying those who previously dismissed such arguments should reconsider them.
IPOB factional claims
Nwaọgụ further called for unity within IPOB and rejected what he described as attempts to create factions within the movement.
He declared that there was “one IPOB” and one leadership under Kanu, while accusing unnamed individuals of attempting to divide the organisation.
He also said lawyers representing detained IPOB members had commenced appeals and claimed that prison outreach and assistance to injured persons were continuing in parts of southeastern Nigeria.
Minna deaths
The statement also addressed the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The deaths have been confirmed by Niger State authorities and have triggered investigations. Governor Umar Bago said a committee had been established to investigate the circumstances, while the NSCDC Niger State commandant and his team were suspended.
The NSCDC initially said the detainees were found dead following a suspected disease outbreak, while its national headquarters said the actual cause of death had not been established pending medical and laboratory examinations.
Protests subsequently took place in Minna, with security agencies deployed to parts of the city.
Nwaọgụ criticised the circumstances surrounding the deaths and questioned whether the authorities would deliver accountability.
Enugu political violence
On developments in Enugu State, Nwaọgụ alleged that political opponents had faced attacks and disruptions during political meetings in Nkanu West.
The allegations have also featured in recent political disputes in the state. The APC has denied accusations that it or Governor Peter Mbah sponsored political violence, while reports have documented disruptions at some opposition meetings.
Nwaọgụ stated that IPOB opposed violence and warned its supporters against using any planned election boycott as an excuse to disrupt political rallies.
He nevertheless said IPOB would boycott the forthcoming elections and indicated that details of how the group intends to enforce the boycott would be announced closer to the polls.
Kanu’s appeal
A major part of the address focused on Kanu’s ongoing legal proceedings.
Nwaọgụ alleged that the Nigerian government and judiciary had failed to advance Kanu’s appeal and argued that provisions of Nigerian law should have affected the continuation of the case following legislative changes.
He specifically referenced Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution and provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, arguing that Kanu’s conviction should not stand.
Those assertions represent Nwaọgụ’s interpretation of the legal proceedings and were not independently established in his statement.
Election boycott
Nwaọgụ reiterated that IPOB intends to boycott the forthcoming elections across what he described as Biafraland and beyond unless Kanu’s appeal is listed and heard.
He called on the Nigerian government to proceed with the appeal, saying the organisation would maintain its position if the process was not advanced.
He also urged IPOB supporters to remain disciplined and avoid violence.
Call for unity
The IPOB official said efforts were underway to bring what he described as genuine Biafran groups together under a unified structure.
He appealed for financial support for legal activities, detainees, injured persons and other activities connected with the movement.
Nwaọgụ concluded by reiterating his demand for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release.
He also thanked MK Afef Abed, members of the Israeli Knesset, supporters in Catalonia and other individuals involved in what he described as international efforts concerning the Biafra cause.
The statement was signed by Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, Head of the Fourth Administration, Directorate of State (DOS), IPOB, and dated Sunday, September 20, 2026.
