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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a strong rebuttal to recent statements made by Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, regarding alleged negotiations for the release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement signed by IPOB’s spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group described Umahi’s remarks as “reckless, false, and contemptuous,” asserting that no negotiations are taking place between IPOB and the Nigerian government concerning Kanu’s release.
“There is no negotiation whatsoever that involves Mazi Nnamdi Kanu accepting any so-called ‘conditions’ from the Nigerian government. None. Absolutely none,” the statement read.
IPOB emphasized that Kanu remains committed to his demand for a United Nations-supervised referendum on Biafra’s independence and is not seeking compromise or rehabilitation. The group reiterated that Kanu is not a political mercenary or job seeker, but a freedom fighter whose only demand is the right of Biafrans to determine their future through a plebiscite.
The press release also condemned what it called “laughable propaganda” and “insulting narratives” suggesting that Kanu is negotiating his release. IPOB warned government officials against peddling “false hopes” and insisted that justice—not political gimmicks—must guide any resolution.
Furthermore, IPOB criticized controversial figure Simon Ekpa, stating that his claim to represent a “Biafran government in exile” had collapsed after he recanted in a Finnish court and admitted to being merely a content creator.