From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has declared the terrorism proscription on its group is political and against International and Nigeria law.
Spokesperson of the group, Emma Powerful who disclosed this in a statement he released to journalists on Friday pointed out that IPOB has endured the ilegal proscription for eight years .
Referencing on some of the treatments purpoted to have been meted to his supporters and leader, Powerful said “On September 14, 2017, Nigerian soldiers under Operation Python Dance II invaded Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s home in Afaraukwu, killing 28 unarmed people in what was effectively an attempted extrajudicial assassination.
“On September 15, 2017, the South‑East Governors’ Forum, led by Dave Umahi, illegally banned IPOB activities, not out of law but fear of Kanu’s political influence.
” On September 20, 2017, Attorney General Abubakar Malami obtained an ex parte proscription order from Justice Abdu Kafarati without presidential approval, violating Section 2(1) of the Terrorism Prevention Act and Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution”. Powerful claimed.
He also added “This sequence of events demonstrates a systemic collapse of rule of law in Nigeria: A legal system so compromised that some celebrated officials cannot distinguish between a “proscribed organization” and a “terrorist group,” yet they weaponize the law to persecute peaceful citizens.
“Key legal and human rights infractions perpetrated by late Justice Kafarati in the illegal proscription of IPOB and ongoing sham trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu include:
“Violation of Section 36 & 40 of Nigeria’s own 1999 Constitution (fair hearing & freedom of association).
Breach of Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria domesticated.
“Violation of ICCPR Articles 1, 9, and 21, protecting self‑determination, liberty, and peaceful assembly.
Failure to meet double criminality for alleged extraterritorial offences under Section 76 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2022.
“Even Nigeria’s own judiciary has now exposed the fraud. The Enugu High Court (October 2023) declared the proscription unconstitutional, and the case is awaiting final determination before the Supreme Court.
“Our Call to the International Community
Condemn and reject the illegal proscription of IPOB, which is purely political persecution masquerading as counter‑terrorism.
“Hold Nigerian officials accountable for extrajudicial killings, illegal proscription, and violation of international human rights obligations.
“Support a peaceful political solution, including the right to self‑determination and referendum under the African Charter and ICCPR. Monitor Nigeria’s High Courts and Supreme Court proceedings to ensure judicial independence and compliance with the rule of law.
“IPOB remains a peaceful, lawful, and resolute self‑determination movement.
We will continue to pursue justice through law and international advocacy, and the world will hear our call until Biafra is free”. His statement concludes.
