The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has once again called for the release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, but this time with a new message: “He saw it coming.”
In a statement by IPOB’s spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group said many of Kanu’s past warnings about Nigeria’s security problems and political challenges have become reality. They believe this proves he should not be behind bars, but rather, listened to.
Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021 after being arrested and brought back to Nigeria, is facing charges over his calls for Biafra’s independence. But the group says his messages were not meant to cause trouble, but to highlight dangers that are now happening across the country.
According to the group, Kanu had been warning about rising insecurity, growing ethnic tensions, and the failure of Nigeria’s current structure long before these issues worsened. They cited his radio broadcasts as far back as 2014, where he reportedly predicted the spread of armed violence and national unrest.
“The things he spoke about back then are happening now,” IPOB said in the statement. “He talked about insecurity, disunity, and marginalization. Now we are all seeing them unfold.”
The group added that keeping Kanu in detention only worsens the situation, arguing that Nigeria needs fresh ideas, fair dialogue, and solutions that include every ethnic group.
IPOB is pushing for a peaceful national conversation that allows different regions and peoples to decide their own future. They say this could be done through a referendum, just like other countries have done.
“We are not asking for war,” the statement continued. “We are asking for dialogue, respect, and justice. That is the only way forward.”
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IPOB also urged the federal government to stop what it described as an unjust detention and instead use this time to listen to voices calling for change.
“We believe Nigeria can be better if we face the truth together,” IPOB concluded. “Let us solve the root of the problem and not keep punishing those who saw it coming.”
