RismadarVoice Reporters
November 10, 2026
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the British government of failing to adequately protect its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, following his controversial transfer from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021.
The group alleged that Britain’s response to Kanu’s detention and prosecution reflected diplomatic indifference to the rights of a British citizen.
IPOB made the allegations in a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, following recent comments by Bishop Godfrey Onah concerning historical grievances associated with Nigeria’s colonial experience.
According to the group, Britain’s historical involvement in Nigeria’s political affairs has contributed to longstanding grievances in the South-East.
It accused the British authorities of failing to take sufficiently decisive action over Kanu’s transfer, continued detention and subsequent legal proceedings.
However, the British government has previously confirmed raising Kanu’s case with Nigerian authorities on several occasions, including during a ministerial meeting in November 2025.
British officials have also maintained consular contact with Kanu and attended court proceedings.
IPOB further criticised the British Broadcasting Corporation and other Western media organisations, alleging that their coverage had created a negative international perception of Kanu and the separatist movement.
The group provided no independently verifiable evidence establishing coordinated media manipulation.
It also alleged that Kanu’s transfer to a correctional facility in Sokoto was politically motivated and intended to serve the Federal Government’s electoral interests.
That allegation has not been independently established.
Addressing Kanu’s prosecution, IPOB rejected suggestions that its leader’s agitation was directed against Northern Nigerians, insisting that his campaign opposed what it described as an unjust political system.
The group also disputed remarks attributed to the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, concerning Kanu’s attitude towards the North.
Kanu’s transfer from Kenya has remained the subject of legal controversy.
In October 2022, Nigeria’s Court of Appeal ruled against the circumstances of his transfer and discharged him. However, the Supreme Court subsequently overturned the appellate decision in December 2023, allowing his prosecution to continue.
IPOB called on Britain to take a stronger diplomatic position on Kanu’s case and urged greater attention to the historical and political grievances underlying the Biafran agitation.
The group maintained that it would continue pursuing its campaign for Biafran self-determination.
