Tobias Sylvester
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government that it will lockdown the Southeast over the continued detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
KanyiDaily had reported how Nnamdi Kanu was arrested in Kenya and repatriated to Nigeria on June 27, in an operation conducted by Nigerian security operatives in collaboration with international partners.
The IPOB leader is facing 11-count charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms, and improper importation of goods, among others.
On Monday, 26 July 2021, the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu to October 21, due to the failure of the Nigerian Government to produce him in court.
Justice Binta Nyako adjourned the trial till October after the Department of State Services (DSS) blamed Kanu’s absence in court on what it termed as “logistical problems”.
IPOB Threatens Total Lockdown In South-East
In a statement by the Head Directorate of State, Mazi Chika Edoziem, IPOB alleged government plans to punish and subject Kanu to media trial at the same time keep him in detention till October 2021.
The group threatened a total lockdown of the Southeast and other Biafra States from Monday, August 9, if Nnamdi Kanu is not unconditionally released before then.
“The global community knows that self-determination is not a crime, the Nigerian government equally know that self-determination does not constitute any known offence stipulated in their constitution and therefore do not have any case against the leader of IPOB, Mazi Kanu.
“In recognition of the above fact and truth, the Directorate of State of IPOB, demands herewith an unconditional and immediate release of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on or before the 8th day of August 2021, failing which we shall commence a weekly Lockdown of Biafra land starting from 9th August, 2021.
“For the avoidance of doubt this total lockdown of Biafra land will take place every Monday until our leader is released unconditionally.
“This weekly lockdown is simply one of the measures we shall put in place to ensure that our leader is released hale and hearty.
“To all the Governors, business men in Biafra land and all those who are complicit in the abduction of our leader from Kenya to Nigeria, those of you who contributed money to enable the Nigerian government to kidnap our leader, pray fervently that his health is not endangered and nothing untoward happens to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, because then the land of Biafra shall not accommodate you and the Biafra people.
“We affirm our reediness to do all that is necessary to secure the immediate release of our leader. It is completely unacceptable to IPOB to allow our leader to remain in the hands of the enemy up till October 2021.”
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing has disclosed that the United Kingdom offered to assist Nnamdi Kanu in his ongoing trial against the Nigerian Government.
