The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has alleged that political opponents are being attacked during rallies and ward meetings in Enugu State, accusing the state government of allowing political violence to thrive.
The group also reaffirmed its decision to boycott the forthcoming general elections, linking the position to the continued detention and legal proceedings involving its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
IPOB’s Head of the Directorate of State’s Fourth Administration, Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, made the allegations in an address on Monday.
Nwaọgụ alleged that political gatherings involving opposition groups had been disrupted by suspected thugs, particularly in Nkanu West, with some attendees allegedly injured and property destroyed.
He said the situation had turned Enugu’s political space into what he described as a theatre of violence, while warning that IPOB should not be blamed for attacks on political gatherings.
“What is happening in Enugu is unacceptable,” Nwaọgụ said.
“Governor Peter Mbah’s political space has become a theatre of thugs disrupting rallies and ward meetings of opponents. Opposition gatherings in Nkanu West have been invaded. People have been shot. Canopies and chairs have been destroyed.”
The Enugu State Government had not, as of the time of the statement, publicly responded to the allegations.
Nwaọgụ claimed that the police had confirmed the attacks, while the APC had denied involvement.
“The police confirm the attacks. The APC denies everything. The pattern is what matters,” he said.
He, however, stressed that IPOB remained opposed to political violence and warned members against disrupting rallies or attacking political opponents.
“IPOB is against every form of violence,” he said.
“A boycott is not a licence to disrupt rallies. A boycott is not a licence to unleash thugs.”
‘Boycott stands’
Nwaọgụ said IPOB would proceed with its proposed election boycott unless the Federal Government takes steps towards having Kanu’s appeal listed and heard.
“The boycott is not a threat. It is a promise,” he said.
He said the method through which the group would enforce compliance with the boycott would be disclosed closer to the elections.
“Anybody who wants it called off should stop talking to IPOB and talk to the APC government. Tell them to list and hear Onyendu’s appeal. Time is going,” he said.
Nwaọgụ urged members and supporters to remain disciplined.
“Stay disciplined. Do not give them the riot they are praying for,” he said.
He warned that if Kanu’s appeal was not heard, IPOB would pursue what he described as a total boycott of the elections across Biafraland and beyond.
Kanu’s appeal
The IPOB official also reiterated the group’s demand for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release, while challenging the legal basis of his conviction.
He argued that provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act and Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 did not support the conviction, and accused the Federal Government and judiciary of failing to advance the pending appeal.
“Section 36(12) has already answered the question. No written law defining the offence and prescribing the punishment — no conviction,” he said.
Nwaọgụ also said IPOB’s appeal against the proscription of the organisation remained pending before the Supreme Court.
He said IPOB lawyers had commenced appeals involving some of its members who were detained, while people injured in connection with the separatist movement were receiving treatment.
The group also claimed that it was conducting prison outreach in Igweocha, Owerri, Enugu and Abakaliki.
IPOB raises Minna deaths
The statement also touched on the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
Nwaọgụ demanded accountability over the deaths and questioned the treatment of people held in government custody.
“If this is how they treat boys accused of digging for gold, do not ask us why we refuse to trust them with Onyendu, or with our missing sons in the East,” he said.
On the international campaign for Kanu’s release, Nwaọgụ referred to a September 1, 2026 letter reportedly written by Israeli Knesset member MK Afef Abed to United Nations officials concerning the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s Opinion No. 25/2022 on Kanu’s detention.
He also referenced previous interventions by United States Congressman John James and developments in Catalonia as part of IPOB’s international campaign.
Nwaọgụ said the group would continue pursuing Kanu’s release and working towards greater unity among organisations within the separatist movement.
He ended by restating the group’s demand for Kanu’s release.
“Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must be released immediately and unconditionally,” he said.
“List the appeal. Hear it. Or face the promise.”