The imprisoned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has issued a series of firm directives warning supporters, associates, and visitors to desist from public attacks and unauthorized statements and actions he described as inimical to his detention conditions and the wider struggle.
Kanu’s directives were conveyed on Sunday by two of his lawyers, Nnaemeka Ejiofor and Patrick Agazie, following an official visit to him at the Sokoto Correctional Centre in Sokoto State, where he is currently being held.
Addressing supporters in a recorded statement, Ejiofor said Kanu ordered that no one should henceforth castigate the IPOB Directorate of State (DOS), describing it as his own structure and “brainchild” that must be respected by all.
“He has directed that from now henceforth nobody should castigate the Directorate of State, otherwise known as the DOS. The DOS is his structure and must be respected by all and sundry,” Ejiofor said.
Kanu also reportedly directed that affiliated bodies, including AVID, the Rising Sun, and the Ambassadors of the Third Nation, must be accorded respect, alongside specific individuals he identified as close associates, namely Dr. Sylvester Onye, Evans Nwankwo, and Maxwell Dede.
Ejiofor stated that Kanu warned that any attack on the DOS, the listed groups, named individuals, or members of his family would be regarded as a personal attack on him, with serious consequences.
“He strongly directs that nobody should castigate members of his family. Whoever attacks the DOS, AVID, Rising Sun, Ambassadors of the Third Nation, Dr. Sylvester Onye, Evans Nwankwo, Maxwell Dede, or members of his family, attacks Mazi Nnamdi Kanu personally and such a person will not be forgiven,” he said.
Kanu also called for unity and restraint among supporters, describing the current period as critical for the consolidation of efforts. He acknowledged the contributions of other pro-Biafra groups and individuals, noting that although they were too numerous to mention, their efforts were recognised and appreciated.
In a significant directive, the IPOB leader barred visitors from making public broadcasts or statements about meetings held with him in detention, stating that any message from him would be communicated directly to those concerned.
“From now henceforth, anybody who comes to see Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is forbidden from making public broadcasts or discourse as to the outcome of their meetings,” Ejiofor said. “If he has a message, the message will be sent to whoever is directly affected.”
He said Kanu restricted public statements about his condition or case to his lawyers or persons he specifically authorises.
Kanu also debunked claims that visits to him were monetised, insisting that no one pays money to see him and that visitation follows a clear administrative protocol at the Sokoto Correctional Facility.
“Whoever wants to visit him should follow the established protocol: valid means of identification, passport photographs, and completion of forms provided by the correctional officers for screening and approval,” Ejiofor explained.
He challenged those alleging extortion over visits to publicly state how much they allegedly paid, describing such claims as false and unfounded.
The IPOB leader, described by his lawyer as “deeply disappointed,” condemned individuals he said were sowing discord instead of promoting harmony, warning that such actions were harmful to both his detention situation and the struggle.
Speaking further, Agazie announced an additional directive from Kanu, ordering a woman identified as Lolo Nneka Chimezie to cease making public statements about him, his detention, or his case.
“MNK states that he gave no directions to her to make any public statement on his behalf and urges the public to discount and disregard radio broadcasts, press interviews, and correspondences being issued by her,” Agazie said.
He also refuted claims that Kanu’s family or his counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, had turned visitations into a transactional process, saying Kanu personally investigated the allegations and found them to be false.
Agazie described the claims as baseless and urged their promoters to “seek psychiatric examination,” insisting that compliance with established visitation protocols was the sole requirement for access.
“If you comply with the protocol, you will see him. If you do not comply, you will not see him,” he said.
Kanu is facing terrorism-related charges filed by the Nigerian government, which he has consistently denied. His prolonged detention and trial have continued to generate controversy, internal tensions among pro-Biafra groups, and international attention.
Leave a Reply