The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has criticized the United Igbo Political Congress (UIPC) over its position on the conviction of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. IPOB's Media Officer, Rev. Chimezie Ochulo, reacted to UIPC's statement issued on October 27, signed by High Chief Major (Dr.) C.O.C. Uzor (Rtd.). IPOB argued that Kanu's conviction was based on the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013, which has been repealed by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
According to IPOB, the Nigerian Constitution states that a person cannot be jailed using a law that no longer exists. The group disagreed with UIPC's position that the issue of whether Justice James Omotosho breached Section 36(12) of the Constitution in convicting Kanu should be left for a competent court to determine. IPOB insisted that the repeal of the 2013 Act raises fundamental questions about the legal basis of the conviction.
Kanu was convicted on November 20, 2025, and sentenced to life imprisonment in a terrorism-related case. IPOB claimed that lawyers and family members of Kanu wrote letters to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President of the Court of Appeal, and the Chief Registrar on August 18, seeking intervention over the delay in hearing Kanu's appeal. The group questioned the pace of proceedings, comparing it with earlier court processes that led to Kanu's release.
IPOB also raised concerns over the delay in hearing Kanu's appeal, which was filed on February 4, 2026, and served on the Federal Government on June 5. The group accused UIPC of ignoring these concerns in its statement. IPOB further criticized UIPC's disclaimer that its statement did not constitute a legal opinion on pending cases, urging its supporters to reject the organisation's position.
The Indigenous People of Biafra urged its supporters to reject UIPC's position, describing it as misguided. The group emphasized that Kanu's conviction was based on a repealed law, making it null and void. IPOB called on UIPC to reconsider its stance and acknowledge the implications of the repealed law on Kanu's conviction.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's conviction has been a subject of controversy, with many questioning the legal basis of the conviction. IPOB's criticism of UIPC's stance has added to the debate, with the group insisting that the repeal of the 2013 Act renders the conviction null and void. The development is likely to generate more controversy and debate in the coming days.
The delay in hearing Kanu's appeal has also raised concerns, with IPOB accusing the government of deliberately delaying the process. The group called on the government to expedite the hearing of the appeal and determine the fate of Kanu. The case is likely to continue to generate interest and debate in the coming days.
Key points
- IPOB faults UIPC's stance on Kanu's conviction, citing repealed law.
- Kanu's conviction was based on the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013, which has been repealed.
- IPOB raises concerns over delay in hearing Kanu's appeal.
