“Nnamdi Kanu’s Death capable of crippling Nigeria” — IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a fervent warning to the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government, urging the release of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, citing alarming concerns about his deteriorating health allegedly caused by internal bleeding stemming from purported torture during his detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Nnamdi Kanu has remained in DSS custody since his arrest in 2021, subsequent to being apprehended in Kenya and extradited to Nigeria.

The recent ruling by the Supreme Court on December 15 upheld the dismissal of the Appeal Court’s decision, paving the way for Kanu’s trial on terrorism charges leveled against him by the Federal Government.

In a statement released on Sunday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, underscored the urgent need for specialized medical intervention to address Kanu’s worsening condition and avert potential grave consequences.

The group expressed grave concern over reports suggesting Kanu’s health complications in DSS’s solitary confinement, alleging the possibility of internal bleeding due to alleged torture.

IPOB suggested that the physical trauma might have resulted from severe beatings inflicted during Kanu’s abduction by Nigerian secret agents in Kenya last year.

Additionally, they pointed to concerns regarding purported drug overuse and abuse within the DSS facility, which might exacerbate Kanu’s condition.

Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, IPOB highlighted statements reportedly made by the DSS medical director concurring with the necessity for immediate and critical medical attention for Kanu, potentially requiring surgery outside the DSS facility to ensure his survival.

The group implored both the Nigerian and British governments to prioritize Kanu’s release on medical grounds, advocating for independent medical professionals to attend to him, including the possibility of conducting necessary surgery to address the unforeseen medical crisis.

IPOB cautioned the Federal Government about the ramifications should anything untoward occur to Kanu during or after his detention, emphasizing his significance to the Biafran cause and the willingness of many to sacrifice for his well-being.