Nigerian government funds media smear ahead of Nnamdi Kanu’s court hearing – IPOB

DDM News

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly criticized the Nigerian government.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports, they accused the government of launching a coordinated media campaign.

The campaign, they claim, aims to discredit the organization.

It also targets their detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The criticism came through a Saturday statement by IPOB’s spokesperson.

The statement was issued by Comrade Emma Powerful.

He described the government’s media campaign as deliberate and manipulative.

According to him, it is a tool to sway public opinion.

Powerful alleged that pro-government media are spreading misinformation.

He accused them of painting IPOB as violent.

He said this portrayal is meant to justify ongoing state oppression.

The campaign is also meant to distract the public, he added.

IPOB said the government has no case against Kanu.

Powerful described the campaign as a continuation of state propaganda.

He claimed it has been ongoing for the past four years.

According to IPOB, government-backed media outlets are the major players.

They alleged that these outlets work to influence court rulings.

They especially focus on courts in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

Powerful emphasized IPOB’s non-violent nature.

He reiterated that the group seeks a democratic referendum.

Their aim, he said, is to restore the Biafran republic.

He insisted that no IPOB member has been convicted of any crime.

Despite this, IPOB is constantly accused of terrorism, he added.

Powerful rejected recent reports about a police raid in Imo State.

He called the reported raid of an “IPOB terror camp” a fabrication.

He said IPOB has no camps anywhere in Nigeria.

According to him, criminal groups are being falsely linked to IPOB.

Powerful mentioned the Biafra Liberation Army as one such group.

He claimed they have no connection with IPOB.

He alleged these groups operate with backing from state actors.

He accused Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma of supporting them.

Powerful also mentioned ex-militant Asari Dokubo.

He said Dokubo has admitted to state-sponsored violence.

Despite these claims, Powerful said the media ignores them.

He described such media behavior as unethical and corrupt.

He said it undermines democracy and journalistic truth.

Under President Tinubu, Powerful noted, the suppression has continued.

He accused the APC government of following Buhari’s anti-Igbo agenda.

He said this has worsened ethnic tensions in the country.

The IPOB spokesperson stressed their mission to end insecurity in the East.

He demanded the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu.

He also called for an international inquiry into insecurity.

He suggested the United States lead this panel.

He emphasized that demanding a referendum is not terrorism.

He said it is a democratic and peaceful right.

Powerful appealed to the international community for intervention.

He asked them to hold Nigeria accountable for rights abuses.

He warned that propaganda and illegal detention would worsen the crisis.

He urged human rights groups to monitor Kanu’s case.

He warned against judicial bias influenced by the media.

Powerful demanded justice and an end to unlawful detention.

He urged Nigerians to question state narratives about IPOB.

He said continued misinformation would not silence their movement.

Background of Nnamdi Kanu’s illegal detention

Nnamdi Kanu was first arrested in Lagos in 2015.

He was detained by Nigerian security forces.

He faced charges including treason and incitement.

He was also accused of running an unlicensed radio station.

This radio station supported Biafra’s independence.

He was later granted bail in April 2017.

Shortly after, his house was raided by the military.

This raid was part of Operation Python Dance.

Following the raid, Kanu disappeared from public view.

His whereabouts remained unknown for years.

Many suspected he fled for safety.

In June 2021, Kanu resurfaced in Kenya.

He was allegedly abducted and taken to Nigeria.

This process was not through legal extradition.

Human rights groups labeled it extraordinary rendition.

They said it violated international legal standards.

Kanu was then held by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention intervened.

They declared his detention illegal.

They demanded his immediate release.

The Nigerian government has refused to comply.

Kanu’s lawyers say he faces harsh detention conditions.

They have also complained about limited access to him.

They say his health is deteriorating.

International observers have raised concerns about the trial.

Many believe the charges are politically motivated.

The legal process has faced multiple delays.

Critics say this is a tactic to punish Kanu.

They accuse the government of using the courts for oppression.

IPOB insists that Kanu is innocent.

They argue his trial is an attack on Igbo self-determination.

They say he must be released immediately.

They believe the government fears his political influence.

His case has become a symbol of broader injustice.

It reflects Nigeria’s unresolved ethnic and political tensions.

Kanu’s continued detention sparks protests and international criticism.

IPOB vows to continue peaceful agitation for Biafra.

They believe justice and truth will eventually prevail.

They say Kanu’s freedom is tied to Nigeria’s future stability.

The group remains committed to non-violence and lawful activism.

They urge the global community to stay engaged in the case.

They maintain that dialogue, not detention, is the path forward.

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