IPOB Warns Tinubu Administration of Dire Consequences Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Worsening Health

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has expressed serious concern over the deteriorating health of their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, while warning the Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, of potential consequences if any harm comes to him.

In a statement released on Monday by the IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group raised the alarm about the failing health of Kanu, who remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja. According to IPOB, Kanu’s health has significantly worsened due to the government’s neglect and failure to provide adequate medical care.

Emma Powerful accused the federal government, the judiciary, the DSS, and certain Igbo political figures of conspiring to eliminate Nnamdi Kanu. “These people should be well aware of the consequences if anything happens to Nnamdi Kanu while in their custody,” Powerful warned, reiterating IPOB’s longstanding demands for his immediate and unconditional release, as previously ordered by the Nigerian Appeal Court. The court had discharged and acquitted Kanu of all charges, and the Supreme Court also ruled that his abduction and extradition from Kenya were illegal.

Powerful emphasized that despite numerous attempts to destroy IPOB since Kanu’s capture and rendition in 2021, the group has remained resilient. He questioned the government’s persistence in attempting to subdue IPOB, saying, “If the federal government and DSS have not succeeded in breaking IPOB since 2021, what makes them think they can destroy IPOB now?”

IPOB has consistently accused the DSS of failing to transfer Kanu to a hospital for proper medical treatment, contributing to his deteriorating condition. The group also called on international bodies, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, to pressure the Nigerian government to respect Kanu’s rights and release him to receive necessary healthcare.

Powerful further criticized the Nigerian judiciary for allegedly bowing to executive pressure, stating that Kanu’s ongoing detention is both illegal and a violation of his fundamental human rights. He questioned why the government insists on keeping Kanu in solitary confinement even after multiple court rulings in his favor.

Kanu’s only crime, IPOB argues, is leading the struggle for Biafra’s self-determination, a cause they claim aligns with the United Nations convention and the African Charter on People’s Rights. IPOB assured the government that their fight for the freedom of Biafra remains unwavering and unstoppable.

As Kanu’s health continues to decline, IPOB has made it clear that any harm to him will have severe repercussions.