IPOB Urges International Review of 2017 Proscription, Cites Human Rights Violations and Legal Irregularities

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on the international community, foreign diplomatic missions, and global human rights bodies to revisit the 2017 proscription of the group by the Nigerian government. According to IPOB, the ban was imposed without adherence to due legal process and contravenes international human rights standards.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB emphasized that it is a non-violent movement advocating for the right to self-determination. The group argued that the “terrorist” designation lacks both legal justification and factual merit.

IPOB pointed to several incidents following its proscription that it claims raise serious human rights concerns. Chief among them was a military raid on the residence of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in Afaraukwu, Abia State, in September 2017, which allegedly resulted in multiple fatalities. The group is demanding an independent investigation into the operation.

Furthermore, IPOB criticized the legal process used to outlaw the group, describing it as flawed. It contended that the ex parte court order obtained by the then-Attorney General did not comply with the Terrorism Prevention Act or constitutional guarantees such as the right to a fair hearing and freedom of association.

The group also referenced a 2023 ruling by an Enugu High Court that reportedly declared the proscription unconstitutional—a decision that is currently being appealed at the Supreme Court.

In its appeal, IPOB urged international stakeholders to:

Re-examine the legality of its proscription;

Encourage peaceful dialogue as a resolution pathway; and

Closely monitor judicial proceedings involving its members, including Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to ensure compliance with due process.


“IPOB remains committed to peaceful and lawful advocacy,” the statement concluded, calling for international backing in its pursuit of a democratic process for self-determination.