Nnamdi Kanu: IPOB knocks Soludo over aide’s comments on Peter Obi

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has publicly defended presidential candidate Peter Obi's repeated calls for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The group also strongly criticized Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, specifically targeting comments made by his Special Adviser on Media, Ejimofor Opara, who had described Obi's appeals as a "major slap" on the Nigerian judiciary.

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What changed is your ambition.

Peter Obi, during a recent interaction with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., reiterated his stance that there is no justification for Kanu's continued detention. Video evidence widely circulated on social media showed the former Anambra State governor consistently maintaining that Kanu should not remain in custody. Opara's reaction, however, framed Obi's comments as an insult not only to the Nigerian judiciary but also to the judiciary in Finland, where Simon Ekpa, described as Kanu's protégé, is reportedly serving a six-year sentence for terrorism-related offenses.

In response, IPOB issued a statement through its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, accusing Governor Soludo of inconsistency and political hypocrisy. The group alleged that Soludo had previously supported calls for Kanu's release. IPOB referenced Soludo's reported visit to Kanu in the custody of the Department of State Services in January 2023, during which he allegedly advocated for his release and offered to stand as surety. They also cited comments from state officials indicating efforts to secure Kanu's freedom.

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The Indigenous People of Biafra on Monday defended calls by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB expressed outrage at what they perceive as a shift in Soludo's position, describing his aide's criticism of Obi's recent remarks as politically motivated. "What changed is your ambition," the statement read, accusing the governor of betraying the Igbo cause due to his political ambitions. IPOB reaffirmed its long-standing demand for Kanu's release, asserting it is a matter of justice, not political negotiation. The group stated its position is supported by "well-meaning Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines" who continue to advocate for Kanu's freedom.

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a major slap” not only on the Nigerian judiciary but also on the judiciary in Finland

The group reiterated its call for the "immediate and unconditional release" of Nnamdi Kanu, deeming his continued detention unjust. Kanu is currently serving a life imprisonment sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025. The court found him guilty on multiple counts, including terrorism, incitement, and membership in a proscribed organization, sentencing him to life imprisonment on the main charges. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, but the court opted for life imprisonment. Kanu has since appealed the judgment.

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immediate and unconditional release