The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has announced the indefinite expulsion of ten senior members of the group’s dissolved Third Directorate of State, accusing them of betrayal, sabotage, abandonment, and attempts to hijack the organization for personal and political interests.
The announcement was contained in a statement attributed to Kanu and shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday by his brother, Kanunta Kanu.
According to Kanu, the affected individuals no longer possess any authority to speak or act on behalf of IPOB.
“The authority to appoint, discipline, suspend, remove, dissolve, or expel any officer or administration of IPOB is vested in the office of the Supreme Leader. The expulsions announced herein are made pursuant to that authority and in accordance with the IPOB Code of Conduct,” the statement read.
Those Expelled
The expelled officials include:
- Chika Edoziem
- Tony Nzurumike
- Austin Agbanyim
- Chukwudi Oforma
- Isaiah Ubah
- Colins Chinedu
- Chinasa Nworu
- Fidelis Ejiogu
- Chidinma Nworu
- Keke Uda
Allegations Against the Former Officials
Kanu stated that the expulsions followed what he described as repeated violations of the IPOB Code of Conduct.
According to him, the affected members were part of the Third Directorate of State administration he established while in detention at Kuje Prison in March 2017. Although the administration’s six-month tenure expired in September 2017, it continued to function at his discretion until it was eventually dissolved.
The IPOB leader alleged that the expelled officials failed to provide adequate legal, welfare, and medical support to him and other detained Biafra agitators during their incarceration.
He further accused them of obstructing fundraising efforts by pro-Biafra organizations, including AVID, Rising Sun, and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, which he claimed sought to raise funds for his medical treatment while he was allegedly critically ill in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Claims of Legal Interference and Internal Power Struggles
Kanu also alleged that the former officials worked against his legal efforts by attacking members of his legal team and collaborating with unnamed political actors in Nigeria’s South-East region to undermine his court cases.
He rejected claims that his brothers were responsible for his return to court following the October 13, 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal, insisting that his legal representatives at the time handled the matter.
According to Kanu, some of the expelled members also spread narratives suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would only facilitate his release if he abandoned the Biafra struggle.
The IPOB leader further accused the group of attempting to weaken his influence within the movement, altering the organization’s oath of office to demand personal loyalty, and replacing officers he had appointed with individuals loyal to them.
Warning to Supporters
Kanu warned IPOB members and supporters worldwide against associating with the expelled officials, stating that anyone collaborating with them would be considered as acting contrary to the interests of IPOB and the Biafra cause.
He urged supporters to recognize and support the Fourth Directorate of State administration led by Chris Nwaọgụ, maintaining that IPOB remains united under his leadership despite the internal crisis.
The development marks one of the most significant internal shakeups within IPOB in recent years, highlighting deep divisions within the movement as Kanu’s detention and legal battles continue.
