IPOB defends Kanu’s expulsion of former leaders, alleges betrayal of movement

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has defended the recent expulsion of members from its dissolved Third Directorate of State (DOS). Solomon Egbo, the Deputy Head of the newly constituted Fourth DOS, alleged that the affected officials engaged in actions that undermined the leadership of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and threatened the organization's survival.

In a statement released on Monday, Egbo described Kanu's decision to dissolve the previous leadership and expel members as "painful but necessary." He asserted that the expelled officials repeatedly violated the IPOB Constitution and Code of Conduct. Egbo claimed that these members abandoned Kanu during his detention, failed to adequately support other detained pro-Biafra agitators, and ignored directives concerning Kanu's medical treatment while in custody.

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Kanu’s decision to dissolve the previous leadership structure and expel some of its members as “painful but necessary,” alleging that the affected officials repeatedly violated the IPOB Constitution and Code of Conduct.

Furthermore, Egbo accused the expelled officials of frustrating fundraising efforts aimed at addressing Kanu's health issues during his incarceration. He also alleged that they worked against legal efforts to secure Kanu's release by attacking members of his legal team and maintaining ties with a former IPOB counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, despite directives to distance the movement from him.

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members of the former DOS leadership abandoned Kanu during his detention, failed to provide adequate support for other detained pro-Biafra agitators, and ignored directives aimed at securing medical treatment for the IPOB leader while in custody.

The IPOB official contended that the former leadership failed to adequately defend the October 13, 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which discharged Kanu. He questioned the jurisdiction of Nigerian courts over Kanu's trial following his rendition from Kenya. Egbo stated that instead of consolidating this legal victory, the affected officials promoted narratives blaming Kanu's family members for subsequent legal developments.

Egbo also accused the expelled officials of spreading false accusations against Kanu's brothers, disregarding directives from the detained leader, and discouraging supporters by claiming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would only release Kanu if he renounced the Biafra agitation. Among other allegations, Egbo cited fabricated claims that unnamed African countries advised them to abandon Kanu, unauthorized removal of officers appointed by Kanu, and alteration of the IPOB oath of office to promote personal loyalty over movement objectives. He concluded that the actions of the dissolved leadership constituted a sustained effort to weaken IPOB, undermine Kanu's influence, and create parallel structures within the organization. Egbo affirmed that the expulsions are indefinite and effective immediately, stating the individuals no longer represent IPOB or the Biafran cause.

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The expulsions are indefinite and take immediate effect.