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IPOB DOS Insists on Kanu’s Release, Dismisses Pardon Talks, Faults Shettima’s New York Remarks
Abuja — September 27, 2026
The Head of the Fourth Administration of the Directorate of State (DOS) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, has restated the group’s two main demands — the release of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and the restoration of Biafra.
In a weekly address issued on Sunday, Nwaọgụ said Kanu marked his 59th birthday on Friday, September 25, in detention, eight years after his initial arrest.
On Alleged Pardon Talks
The DOS head dismissed reports that Kanu is seeking a presidential pardon from President Bola Tinubu.
Nwaọgụ described the reports as “a black lie” and said Kanu is not in negotiation with the Federal Government. He cited two instances — in November 2021 and February 2026 — where Kanu allegedly rejected offers of political dialogue, insisting instead on a referendum.
He said a recent social media post by Kanu’s lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, exploring legal options should not be interpreted as Kanu abandoning his position.
Clemency implies guilt. Our leader committed no crime by demanding self-determination, the address stated.
On Shettima’s New York Comment
Nwaọgụ also reacted to Vice President Kashim Shettima’s comment in New York where he said “there is nobody in this country more Igbo than Bianca Ojukwu".
Shettima made the remark at a diaspora town hall on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, citing Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as evidence of Igbo inclusion.
The IPOB DOS described the comment as political branding, arguing that Igbo identity cannot be conferred by appointment and that one cabinet position does not address insecurity in the South-East or the continued detention of Kanu.
On Legal Battle and International Lobby
The address revisited Kanu’s conviction on November 20, 2025, arguing that the court convicted him under a repealed 2013 Act, in violation of Section 36(12) of the Constitution which requires a written law in force at the time of conviction.
Nwaọgụ disclosed that petitions have been sent to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Body of Benchers over the delay in listing Kanu’s appeal, asking why a life-sentence appeal has remained unheard.
He also claimed international progress, stating that MK Afef Abed of the Israeli Knesset has written to the United Nations demanding implementation of UN Opinion 25/2022, which called Kanu’s detention arbitrary and demanded his release and investigation into his rendition from Kenya.
The address concluded with a call for discipline among supporters and said details of IPOB’s next line of action, including its position on election boycott, would be released in the coming weeks.
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