- alleges it’s a propaganda to malign group
From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied the recent alleged “bursting” of its members as sindicates in Imo State by the police.
Reacting to the claims by the police in the State, spokesperson of the group, Emma Powerful in a public statement he released said the purport involvement of its members in the crime is a deliberate propaganda intended to smear the group’s image.
Powerful reiterated that IPOB and the Eastern Security Network were not established to harm anybody. He accused the police of pointing accusing finger on its group without evidence.
He said “Today’s report on alleged “IPOB/ESN syndicates” busted in Imo State is only the tip of a much larger iceberg of relentless smear campaigns orchestrated by the Nigerian security agencies.
“Within hours of any incident in the South East, police chiefs repeatedly brand IPOB/ESN as responsible without releasing credible forensic reports, naming suspects, or publishing court proceedings. This “instant guilt by label” is propaganda masquerading as policing.
“Every time IPOB publicly denies involvement be it attacks on prisons, police, INEC facilities, or sit-at-home enforcement the media continues to repeat the accusations without updates or corrections .
“Noticeably, the flood of negative coverage spikes whenever Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s court dates approach, suggesting a deliberate effort to influence public perception and prejudice judicial proceedings .
“IPOB has repeatedly exposed how governors, security agencies, and political operatives orchestrate insecurity in Igboland to discredit local leadership and justify heavy-handed crackdowns on IPOB and its affiliates” . Powerful said.
Following the series of criminal allegation on IPOB and ESN, the group has demanded full transparency in investigative reporting, published arrest records, suspect identities, forensic reports, and court filings, allowing independent media and civil society access to verify claims.
The group also urged security agencies to immediately cease designating IPOB/ESN as perpetrators in every incident and to distinguish between unaffiliated criminal groups such as the Biafra Liberation Army or unknown gunmen and legitimate actors.
As well it added that established independent inquiry should be constituted and media ethics should be adhered to.
“Constitute a joint panel with international observers (e.g. from the U.S., EU, Africa) to examine insecurity, propaganda funding, and media manipulation in the South East.
While recalling the reaon for the establishment of the group, Powerful said “IPOB and ESN were formed to defend innocent lives, not to sow violence. These groups have not been convicted of any crime only indicted by public narrative.
“Criminal groups have openly claimed actions under the IPOB banner. Yet police still label all incidents IPOB/ESN, regardless of character or confession .
“IPOB therefore rejects today’s Imo “syndicate” narrative as yet another state-sponsored tale. We demand honest investigations, rigorous journalism, and an end to gross labeling without proof. The people deserve truthful reporting. The movement deserves fairness”. Powerful stated.
