The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has absorbed two major political players in the South South and South East geopolitical zones of any involvement in the arrest of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Nigerian authorities.
They are Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and Senator Andy Ubah, who is the gubernatorial candidate of the APC, in the forthcoming election in Anambra State.
Kanu was taken into custody recently by Nigerian intelligence operatives in Kenya and repatriated to the country to face trial.
His arrest is generating a lot of mixed reactions across the country, particularly in the South East.
In a statement purportedly made available to Saharareporters signed by Emma Powerful, the proscribed organization said it had no evidence that the two men played any complicit role in the abduction of its leader.
The new statement is coming in the wake of an earlier one, which claimed that Andy Uba and Governor Nyesom Wike could have played a hand in the arrest of Kanu.
That statement, if the current reaction credited to IPOB is true, was allegedly signed by Emma Powerful, Spokesman of the separatists from the East.
This suggests that the earlier statement may have been faked by unknown persons who might nurse an intent to exploit the situation and possibly heighten tension.
IPOB however accused the Kenyan government of colluding with its Nigerian counterpart to arrest Kanu whose faith would now be determined by the judicial system.
It warned politicians who may have differences with the APC candidate in the forthcoming election in Anambra not to drag its name into the fray.
The group said it is still gathering intelligence in respect of the arrest and detention of Nnamdi Kanu, but emphasized that neither Wike nor Uba had any hand in what it described as the kidnap of its leader.
Kanu is being held on the orders of a court at an undisclosed facility controlled by the Directorate of State Security service.
Lawyers to the self acclaimed Biafra leader are claiming that their client is sick and so, requires medical attention.
It is not likely that the position of Kanu’s lawyers would sway the courts this time around.
Kanu had previously jumped bail and escaped to the United Kingdom from where he is believed to have steered a violent revolt in Nigeria’s South East.
Life in the South East is gradually returning to normal according to reports.
Security operatives have stepped up efforts to keep the peace while several leaders of the region have denounced violence and expressed their preference to remain in Nigeria.
The posture of Igbo leaders is seen as a big blow to the separatist movement which appears to draw strength from claims of perceived marginalization of the Igbos of Eastern Nigeria.
But the Igbo are insisting that Kanu who is in the custody of the Nigerian authorities must be given access to a fair and proper trial.
Meanwhile, the British Government is promising that it would not abandon Nnamdi Kanu who is a citizen.
It gave the assurance in response to a letter dispatched to the British by a lawyer representing Kanu.
In the acknowledgement letter sent to Kanu’s counsel, Aloy Ejimakor on Tuesday, 6th July, 2021, the British assured they would guarantee the protection of Kanu’s welfare.
Ejimakor said the letter specifically stated that Kanu will get “support and welfare” of the British authorities.
Kanu is charged with treason and other heinous crimes committed in the South East in pursuit of what some analysts describe as “territorial Biafra.”
At least 50 lawyers, according to sources, are warming up to defend the leader of IPOB who would be brought to court on the 26th of this month amidst tight security.
Thus far, journalists have been bared from having unlimited access to the courtroom.
This may be part of attempts by the Nigerian government to prevent the matter from turning into a celebrity trial.
There could also be the need to ensure the safety of those who would be attending court, including Kanu who may have powerful enemies.