Abuja, Nigeria — November 5, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stark warning to the federal government of President Bola Tinubu, alleging a deliberate conspiracy involving the judiciary to secure a conviction against its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. In a statement signed by IPOB’s Spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group described the ongoing trial as a “sham conviction” built on falsehood, intimidation and manipulation.
IPOB claimed that the government, the UK authorities and “a handful of morally-bankrupt judicial officers led by Justice James Omotosho” are working in concert to sentence Kanu either to life imprisonment or death.
“No amount of political pressure, judicial manipulation or hearsay can lead to his conviction. This mission of our leader is divine and immutable.” — Emma Powerful, IPOB Spokesperson.
The group emphasised that Kanu cannot be lawfully prosecuted under the statute cited by the government, the Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2013, arguing that it has been repealed and replaced by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. IPOB cited Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution — which requires crimes and punishments to be defined by existing written law — saying any verdict under a repealed statute would be null and void.
The statement also launched personal attacks on Justice Omotosho, accusing the judge of “legal ignorance” and “constitutional blindness” for presiding over proceedings that IPOB says defy established jurisprudence and undermine Nigeria’s legal traditions.
IPOB further declared its belief that Kanu’s detention and trial are part of a larger struggle — describing them as a symbolic battle for “the soul of Nigeria and the future of Africa.” It warned that any attempt to silence or destroy the pro-Biafra leader would only reinforce the resolve of his supporters.
In addition to allegations against the judiciary and government, IPOB’s statement criticized “Igbo political jobbers,” foreign actors and UK interests which it said tilt the balance of Nigeria’s justice system. The group concluded:
“When you conspire to convict a man without law you are not fighting him; you are fighting God Himself.
No immediate response was observed from President Tinubu’s office or the judiciary regarding the IPOB statement. The trial of Kanu continues amid deepening political, ethnic and legal tensions across the Southeast region of Nigeria.