The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has vehemently denounced the violence erupting in the southeastern region of Nigeria, distancing himself from any association with such acts. He made a resolute pledge that individuals perpetrating violence under the guise of being IPOB members would face consequences for their actions.
Speaking in Abuja immediately after being denied bail by the court, Kanu attributed the persistence of violence to his detention by the Department of State Services (DSS). He asserted, “Anybody committing crime cannot go free. I swear it. Anybody committing crime in the east cannot go free. They are doing it because I am in the DSS custody. If I were to be outside, nobody can try this.”
Expressing suspicion of governmental involvement and financial gain from insecurity, Kanu contended, “They know if Nnamdi Kanu is outside, in two minutes, this nonsense will stop.” He asserted his authority within the region, stating, “Who is the beggar or idiot that will speak when I am talking? I will give an order in the East. Who is the idiot that I will give an order that will counter it? Nobody can. I am Nnamdi Kanu.”
Kanu made it unequivocally clear that anyone engaged in violence under the pretext of IPOB affiliation would face severe repercussions. He expressed confidence that once he is released from custody, peace will swiftly return to the East.
