Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have threatened to put the whole of South-East and other states identified as ‘part of Biafra’ on total lockdown if its leader, Nnamdi Kanu is not unconditionally released before Monday, August 9, 2021 .
Recall that TheNewsBeam reported that Kanu was arrested on Sunday, 27th June 2021, through the joint efforts of the Nigerian Intelligence and Security Services in order to continue facing trial after disappearing, while on bail regarding 12 count charge against him.
The count charge which include count charge bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms, improper importation of goods, among others.
Following Kanu’s re-arrest, IPOB and other supporters have protested against his arrest by the Federal Government.
However, the latest reaction from IPOB was seen in a statement signed by the Head Directorate of State, Mazi Chika Edoziem on Wednesday.
According to the statement, IPOB alleged Federal government plans to punish and subject Kanu to media trial at the same time keep him in detention till October 2021.
“The global community knows that self-determination is not a crime, the Nigerian government equally know that self-determination does not constitute any known offence stipulated in their constitution and therefore do not have any case against the leader of IPOB, Mazi Kanu.
“In recognition of the above fact and truth, the Directorate of State of IPOB, demands herewith an unconditional and immediate release of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on or before the 8th day of August 2021, failing which we shall commence a weekly Lockdown of Biafra land starting from 9th August, 2021.
“For the avoidance of doubt this total lockdown of Biafra land will take place every Monday until our leader is released unconditionally. This weekly lockdown is simply one of the measures we shall put in place to ensure that our leader is released hale and hearty.
“To all the Governors, business men in Biafra land and all those who are complicit in the abduction of our leader from Kenya to Nigeria, those of you who contributed money to enable the Nigerian government to kidnap our leader, pray fervently that his health is not endangered and nothing untoward happens to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, because then the land of Biafra shall not accommodate you and the Biafra people.
“We affirm our readiness to do all that is necessary to secure the immediate release of our leader.” The statement read in part.
