The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has given the federal government of Nigeria a deadline of August 8, 2021, to release its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, or face the consequences.
The group said if the government fails to release Kanu on or before the said date, it will mobilize and lock down the entire southeast region of the country.
Newsflash Nigeria recalls Kanu who is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) was re-arrested and brought back to Nigeria by the government a few weeks ago.
He was expected to resume his trial for charges brought against him by the government on July 26 but the DSS, citing logistics reasons, failed to produce the IPOB leader in court.
The court then adjourned his case till October 2021.
However, in a statement on Wednesday, IPOB through its Head Directorate of State, Mazi Chika Edoziem said the government does not have a case against Kanu.
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It added that even the government knows that agitation for self-determination doesn’t constitute a crime according to the constitution.
It, therefore, said, “in recognition of the above fact and truth, the Directorate of State of IPOB, demanded herewith an unconditional and immediate release of Kanu on or before August 8, 2021, failing which it shall commence a weekly Lockdown of Biafra land starting from 9th August, 2021.”
The group stated that for the avoidance of doubt, this total lockdown of Biafra land would take place every Monday until its leader was released unconditionally.
IPOB added that the weekly lockdown was simply one of the measures it would put in place to ensure that Kanu was released hale and hearty as it is unacceptable for him to remain in custody up till October 2021.
The group added that all those behind the abduction of Kanu should pray nothing bad happens to him while he remains in custody, vowing to do everything necessary to secure the release of its leader.
