The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has raised concerns over the transfer of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to a prison facility in Sokoto State, warning that the move endangers his safety and could compromise his ability to pursue an appeal.
IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful described the sentence and transfer as “malicious” and part of what he called a sustained campaign against Kanu and the Biafra self-determination movement.
The group called on the Federal Government to guarantee Kanu’s safety and uphold his legal rights, including ensuring that his appeal process is not obstructed. IPOB also cited ongoing security challenges in parts of north-west Nigeria, warning that relocating Kanu to Sokoto could heighten risks to his wellbeing.
“We are a peaceful and disciplined movement. The only way to defuse tensions would be for the government to allow Biafrans to exercise self-determination through a United Nations-supervised referendum,” the statement read.
IPOB further urged the international community to monitor Kanu’s welfare and ensure that his constitutional rights, including his right of appeal, are fully respected.