The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly criticized Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, over his recent comments accusing the group of orchestrating attacks on police facilities and aiding prison breaks across the country.
In a press statement issued on Saturday by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Powerful, the group described Ribadu’s accusations as reckless and prejudicial, especially considering the ongoing court trial of their detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. IPOB asserted that the NSA’s remarks amount to a calculated effort to undermine judicial independence and to manipulate public perception against Kanu.
According to IPOB, Ribadu’s statement not only preempts the outcome of the ongoing legal process but also confirms that the case against their leader is driven by political motives rather than facts or evidence.
“The NSA’s declaration is a clear example of executive interference aimed at influencing judicial proceedings,” the group said. “Such remarks pose a serious threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system and signal a government that places political expediency above constitutional governance.”
IPOB further argued that Ribadu’s assertions amount to veiled intimidation directed at Justice James Omotosho, who is currently handling the case. The group said the timing and tone of Ribadu’s statements reflect an administration that sees the rule of law as a mere obstacle to its broader political objectives.
“We urge the global community, legal professionals, and human rights organisations to speak out against what is clearly an abuse of power,” IPOB said. “The Nigerian state must be held accountable for actions that threaten to turn the judiciary into a tool for oppression.”
The group referenced testimony from a government witness, identified as PW-BBB, during the ongoing trial. According to IPOB, this witness admitted under cross-examination that the Department of State Services (DSS) the agency detaining Nnamdi Kanu operates directly under the supervision of the NSA. IPOB claims this connection raises questions about the fairness of the trial and further strengthens suspicions of political manipulation.
“That the NSA, who oversees the DSS, would publicly pronounce IPOB and its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), guilty before a verdict has been reached, is both inappropriate and dangerous,” the group stated. “It confirms that Kanu’s trial is nothing short of a politically motivated effort to silence dissent.”
IPOB went on to liken Ribadu’s statements to those made in authoritarian regimes, accusing him of trying to sway the court by issuing “dog whistles” to judges and government officials to secure a conviction at any cost. The group emphasized that even during Nigeria’s military dictatorship under General Sani Abacha, such direct meddling in the judiciary was rare.
“If Ribadu or any other government official has legitimate evidence, let it be presented in court not through media theatrics meant to poison the public’s mind,” IPOB continued. “Engaging with media personalities unfamiliar with legal procedure does not serve justice it sustains tyranny.”
The group also criticized the British Government for its perceived inaction regarding the treatment of Nnamdi Kanu, a British citizen. IPOB accused the UK of turning a blind eye to human rights abuses committed against him and urged the British authorities to reevaluate their stance.
“The UK Government’s silence has encouraged the Nigerian authorities to continue violating international norms,” IPOB stated. “This is a test not only of Nigeria’s legal system but of the global commitment to human rights and the right to self-determination.”
Concluding its statement, IPOB called on all democratic nations, human rights institutions, and legal advocates to reject what it termed a judicial farce and to demand that Nnamdi Kanu receive a fair and transparent trial.
“Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. The international community cannot afford to look away while the principles of law and justice are undermined.”
