The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rejected the terrorism proscription placed on it by the Nigerian government, describing it as politically motivated and in violation of both Nigerian and international law.

 

In a statement issued to journalists on Friday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful said the group has endured what he termed an “illegal proscription” for eight years.

 

He cited several instances he believes reflect a targeted campaign against IPOB and its leadership. “On September 14, 2017, Nigerian soldiers under Operation Python Dance II invaded the Afaraukwu home of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, killing 28 unarmed individuals in what was effectively an attempted extrajudicial assassination,” he said.

 

He further noted that on September 15, 2017, the South-East Governors’ Forum, led by then-Governor Dave Umahi, announced a ban on IPOB activities “not based on law, but fear of Kanu’s rising political influence.”

 

Powerful also criticized the ex parte order obtained on September 20, 2017, by Attorney General Abubakar Malami from Justice Abdu Kafarati, which officially proscribed IPOB. He claimed the order was issued without presidential approval, in breach of Section 2(1) of the Terrorism Prevention Act and Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.

 

“This sequence of events shows a breakdown of the rule of law. Officials continue to misuse legal instruments, confusing the concepts of a ‘proscribed organization’ with a ‘terrorist group’, while persecuting peaceful citizens,” he stated.

 

He also listed what he described as legal and human rights violations in the proscription process, including:

 

Violation of Sections 36 and 40 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (right to fair hearing and freedom of association).

 

Breach of Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, domesticated by Nigeria.

 

Violation of Articles 1, 9, and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protect self-determination, liberty, and peaceful assembly.

 

Failure to meet double criminality standards for alleged offences committed outside Nigeria.

 

 

Powerful referenced an October 2023 ruling by the Enugu High Court, which declared IPOB’s proscription unconstitutional—a decision now pending at the Supreme Court.

 

Calling on the international community, IPOB urged global powers to:

 

Condemn the proscription, which it says is political persecution disguised as counter-terrorism.

 

Hold Nigerian officials accountable for extrajudicial actions and human rights violations.

 

Support peaceful political dialogue, including the right to self-determination and referendum under African and international law.

 

Monitor Nigeria’s legal proceedings for fairness and independence.

 

 

Powerful concluded by reaffirming IPOB’s commitment to nonviolence:

“IPOB remains a peaceful, lawful, and resolute self-determination movement. We will continue our struggle through legal and international advocacy until Biafra is free.”