The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) expressed concern that transferring its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to a prison in Sokoto State jeopardizes his safety and could obstruct his right to appeal. The group’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, called the transfer and sentence “malicious” and alleged they are part of an ongoing campaign against Kanu and the Biafra self-determination movement. IPOB urged the Federal Government to guarantee Kanu’s safety and ensure his legal rights, including the ability to pursue appeals, are not hindered. The group specifically noted security challenges in parts of North-West Nigeria as a reason for concern regarding a Sokoto facility. IPOB called on the international community to take note and demanded the government respect constitutional principles like the Federal Character principle. Describing itself as a peaceful and disciplined movement, IPOB suggested that allowing Biafrans to exercise self-determination through a UN-supervised referendum is the only way to ease tensions. Finally, the group called on Nigerians and the international community to monitor that no harm comes to Kanu and that his right of appeal is protected.
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