The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused certain interests of deliberately suppressing positive developments related to the ongoing legal case of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, while amplifying negative narratives intended to undermine his case.
In a statement released on Friday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful expressed deep concern over what the group described as a “calculated campaign” to manipulate public opinion in the lead-up to the ruling in Kanu’s trial on October 10, 2025. The trial is set to take place before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
“We have observed with clarity the unfolding propaganda designed to condition the minds of the international community ahead of the October 10, 2025 ruling in the case of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Powerful said in the statement.
The group accused the media of suppressing reports that vindicate Kanu, focusing instead on recycled stories based on discredited prosecution evidence. IPOB claims that these narratives give the false impression that a strong case exists against Kanu, despite what they describe as the collapse of the prosecution’s case.
“The public is being fed with outdated and manipulated reports, while recent significant developments, such as the filing of a Magnitsky Sanctions lawsuit in Washington against what we refer to as ‘corrupt Nigerian judges,’ are being deliberately downplayed,” the statement continued.
IPOB further expressed concerns about the ongoing media bias, noting that the current trend mirrors the events leading up to Kanu’s controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021. The group argued that efforts were made back then to misrepresent Kanu’s identity and status, ultimately justifying the operation that led to his return to Nigeria.
“This systematic blackout of favourable reports is an active tool in the persecution of Kanu and the Biafran people,” said Powerful. “We will not remain silent while information is manipulated to assist tyranny and undermine justice.”
IPOB called on international bodies, including the United Nations, the U.S. Congress, and the Human Rights Council, to take note of what they described as a “dangerous trend.” The group warned that history would hold those responsible for these actions accountable.
As the trial date approaches, the tension surrounding Kanu’s case remains high, with supporters of IPOB demanding a fair trial and the international community keeping a close watch on the developments.
