(DDM) – The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, of bankrolling a “fake Ohanaeze propaganda cell” aimed at discrediting the #FreeMaziNnamdiKanuNow campaign.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that IPOB made the allegation in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, titled “Exposing the Fake Ohanaeze Propagandists Syndicate: Peter Mbah Phantom Group Speaks from the Hospital Bed in India.”
According to the group, Umahi allegedly sponsored a faction led by Okechukwu Isiguzoro, whom they described as “an impostor currently receiving medical treatment in India.” IPOB insisted that “the only legitimate Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide” remains under the leadership of Senator Mbata.
The group condemned a publication by Daily Post Nigeria, which quoted the alleged faction as opposing the planned October 20 peaceful protest at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, demanding the release of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Powerful accused Umahi of orchestrating the confusion to “divide and distract the Igbo nation,” describing the move as “moral prostitution” and “political mischief.”
He stated that Isiguzoro “has not issued any statement from India” and that “fake press releases” were being circulated by “a propaganda unit controlled by Umahi to undermine the Igbo liberation cause.”
Drawing historical parallels, IPOB said, “The same enemies once recruited Simon Ekpa to derail the Biafra movement. Now, they are repeating the same strategy using Umahi’s fake Ohanaeze faction as a propaganda arm to delegitimize a peaceful march supported by millions of Igbos.”
The group’s spokesperson declared that “no true Igbo son or daughter will oppose a protest for justice and freedom,” describing the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow rally as “a protest of conscience.”
He warned political figures allegedly involved in the alleged campaign, saying, “You may hold office today, but you cannot hold the destiny of the Igbo race. Our people’s courage and sacrifice are not for sale.”
IPOB reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy, emphasizing that “the central issue remains the unlawful detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu despite multiple court rulings ordering his release.”
Powerful further stated that “Umahi’s propaganda machine has failed,” insisting that “the Igbo nation has woken up, and the voice of truth cannot be silenced by rented press statements.”
The group urged Igbos at home and in the diaspora to “reject fake news factories and opportunistic politicians,” reiterating its collaboration with the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Global Defense Consortium, Ohanaeze under Senator Mbata, and other Igbo groups pushing for justice and freedom.
The statement comes amid rising tension in the South-East as activists, including Omoyele Sowore and civil society coalitions, mobilize for the October 20 march demanding Kanu’s unconditional release.