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IPOB Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s Suspension, Declares Move Null and Void

Published

5 months ago

June 19, 2026

Igbo Ministers Link UK Separatist Crisis to Kanu’s Conviction, Demand His Release

IPOB Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s Suspension, Declares Move Null and Void

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has officially dismissed the purported suspension of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, describing the action as unconstitutional, null and void, and an exercise in futility by officials whose tenure had already been terminated.

The separatist group said the declaration made by the faction led by Chika Edoziem carries no weight, insisting that those behind the move no longer hold any recognised authority within the organisation . In a statement issued on Friday by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group maintained that the officials responsible for announcing Kanu’s suspension had already lost their positions before making the declaration .

According to IPOB, the leadership structure headed by Edoziem had earlier been dissolved by Kanu under powers granted to him by the group’s Code of Conduct. The organisation said a new administrative leadership, identified as the fourth Directorate of State (DOS) , has already been constituted under the leadership of Chris Nwaọgụ, a United States-based member . The group argued that since the previous administration had already been dissolved, all decisions, directives, or pronouncements made by its members after that dissolution are automatically invalid . “No person can derive authority from an office that has already ceased to exist,” the statement said .

IPOB stressed that under its constitutional framework, only the office of the Supreme Leader has the power to appoint, remove, suspend, or dissolve principal officers and key administrative structures . The group pointed to provisions in its internal code, insisting that such powers are exclusively vested in Kanu unless he chooses to delegate them . Based on that position, IPOB said any announcement suggesting that Kanu had been suspended by Edoziem’s faction was not only unconstitutional but impossible under the organisation’s laws . “The authority to appoint, suspend, dismiss or dissolve principal officers and administrative structures resides exclusively in the Office of the Supreme Leader. No Coordinator, Principal Officer, Directorate, Committee or collective body possesses any constitutional authority to suspend, remove or overrule the Supreme Leader,” the statement said .

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The crisis began when the Directorate of State (DOS) of IPOB announced the indefinite suspension of the Office of the Leader of IPOB and the position of Director of Radio Biafra, both previously held by Kanu . Chikadibia Edoziem, head of the DOS, said the decision followed a DOS meeting held on June 17, where members resolved to impose the indefinite suspension in what they described as the overall interest of Biafrans . The DOS cited several reasons for its decision, including intelligence reports alleging meetings involving security agencies and Kanu, concerns over communications it claimed had led to arrests and deaths of members, as well as fears that some individuals were attempting to establish a new militia that could trigger further violence in the region . “We affirm that the pursuit of our inalienable right to self-determination is peaceful and non-violent and must never become a basis for causing harm, hardship, or death to the very people we seek to liberate from the injustices and atrocities perpetrated by the Nigerian system,” the DOS statement read .

IPOB strongly criticised the move, describing it as reckless and a direct challenge to the authority of the group’s leadership structure . The organisation accused the dissolved officials of gross insubordination, constitutional misconduct, abuse of office, and deliberate attempts to usurp powers beyond what is permitted under its governing laws . According to the statement, instead of complying with the leadership transition and handing over responsibilities, the former officials allegedly chose to act in defiance of the authority that initially legitimised their positions . The group described the move against Kanu as “foolish, delusional and a legal impossibility” within the framework of its laws .

The group directed its members across different countries to ignore any statement, appointment, suspension, or directive issued by Edoziem and members of the dissolved administration . “The third administration of the Directorate of State no longer exists. Its tenure has been terminated by lawful authority and its powers extinguished,” the statement declared . IPOB further called on media organisations to be cautious in reporting developments concerning the group, urging journalists to verify sources before publishing statements attributed to individuals it no longer recognises as official representatives . The group declared that any directive, instruction, statement, appointment, suspension, or administrative action purportedly issued by Edoziem or any member of the dissolved administration after its dissolution is “null, void, and incapable of creating any legal or organisational consequence within IPOB” .

Meanwhile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has also rejected reports of Kanu’s suspension, describing the move as invalid and lacking institutional or communal legitimacy . In a statement signed by Deputy President-General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Deputy Secretary-General Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Ohanaeze said the claims attributed to certain aggrieved members, including Edoziem and associates, are “unofficial and incapable of altering established recognitions or ongoing engagements” . Ohanaeze stated unequivocally that the alleged suspension of Kanu is “not recognized, not validated, and holds no institutional or communal legitimacy within its purview” . “Accordingly, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains a central and widely acknowledged leadership figure associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra,” the statement added .

Ohanaeze expressed concern that internal disagreements within IPOB could threaten the relative peace that has returned to the South-East in recent months . The organisation noted that the region has experienced renewed agricultural activities, the revival of cultural festivals, increased commercial engagements and growing investor confidence—gains it described as fragile . “These gains remain delicate and must not be undermined by avoidable internal disputes or inflammatory narratives,” Ohanaeze stated . The group urged all parties involved in the leadership dispute to embrace peaceful dialogue rather than public confrontation, stating that “Dialogue remains the most viable and sustainable pathway to conflict resolution” . Ohanaeze also reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing dialogue initiatives aimed at fostering unity among Igbo stakeholders and supporting efforts toward the release of detained pro-Biafra figures, including Kanu . The organisation warned that unresolved divisions could undermine those efforts and stressed that it would not support any action capable of reigniting insecurity in the South-East .

Reaffirming loyalty to Kanu, IPOB said the newly established leadership remains active and fully answerable to the detained leader . IPOB also warned that any member or group attempting to challenge Kanu’s authority or disrupt the organisation’s command structure would face disciplinary action, including suspension or outright expulsion . “The era of indiscipline, constitutional recklessness, and unauthorised power-grabbing within IPOB is over. The authority of the Supreme Leader remains supreme, unquestionable, and binding on all members,” the statement added.

IPOB Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s Suspension, Declares Move Null and Void

Related Topics:IPOB Nnamdi Kanu Suspension

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₦50,000 Relief Fund: FG Reveals Criteria for Selecting Beneficiaries

Published

2 hours ago

November 5, 2026

Trends Admin

₦50,000 Relief Fund: FG Reveals Criteria for Selecting Beneficiaries

The Federal Government has explained how beneficiaries will be selected for its ₦50,000 cash relief programme, clarifying that the intervention is targeted at poor and vulnerable households identified through verified national identity records and the National Social Register (NSR).

The programme, known as the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to provide financial support to households struggling with rising living costs.

Under the initiative, selected beneficiaries will receive a one-off grant of ₦50,000 directly into mobile wallets operated by approved payment providers.

According to the government, the selection process involves screening information from verified national identity records and the National Social Register to identify households that meet the programme’s vulnerability requirements.

The National Social Register is a database of poor and vulnerable households across the country, while national identity records are used to verify the identities of prospective beneficiaries.

The government said the exercise is based on need and is designed to cover Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones, irrespective of their religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

₦50,000 Relief Fund: FG Reveals Criteria for Selecting Beneficiaries

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Bandits Demand Over ₦100m Ransom for 15 Abducted Islamiya Students in Niger

Published

24 hours ago

November 4, 2026

Trends Admin

Bandits Demand Over ₦100m Ransom for 15 Abducted Islamiya Students in Niger

Suspected bandits who abducted 15 students of an Islamiya school in Niger State have reportedly demanded more than ₦100 million for their release, heightening fears over the safety of the children and prompting fresh calls for urgent government intervention.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped while assisting their teacher, Malam Aminu Bako, in harvesting maize on his farm in Tungan-Bako village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, during the weekend.

The teacher disclosed that the armed men had contacted community leaders to communicate their ransom demand, leaving parents and residents increasingly worried about the fate of the abducted children.

According to reports, the kidnappers initially believed the victims were students of government-owned schools. However, a parent, identified as Malam Adamu, said community representatives informed the abductors that the children attended an Islamiya school.

Adamu explained that the bandits had demanded more than ₦100 million before being informed about the actual identity of the school.

The teacher, who confirmed the ransom demand, also appealed to the Federal Government and Niger State Government to urgently intervene and ensure the safe return of the students.

Bako expressed concern that the children might be facing harsh conditions in captivity, revealing that information gathered through local vigilantes suggested they were still being held somewhere within Niger State.

According to him, the students were reportedly locked inside an isolated building guarded by heavily armed men.

“We heard that they were still within Niger State, locked in a building, probably without food. We are worried; we want the authorities to come to our aid to rescue them,” he said.

The teacher maintained that the situation required urgent intervention by the military and other security agencies, warning that community vigilantes might not have the capacity to confront the heavily armed kidnappers.

He also expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as the limited government presence since the incident, saying the affected families and school management had largely been left to depend on local vigilantes for information and assistance.

Bako disclosed that the acting chairman of Rafi Local Government Area and the Divisional Police Officer were the only government officials who had visited the community following the abduction.

He said the absence of further engagement from the state government had increased anxiety among parents, who had continued to approach him for updates on their children’s whereabouts and safety.

“We are also worried that nobody has visited us from the state government, at least to give us hope that something is being done to ensure their release,” he added.

The teacher consequently appealed to the authorities to demonstrate greater commitment towards securing the students’ freedom, stressing that the community needed more than assurances.

Meanwhile, the Niger State Police Command has confirmed the abduction, although its preliminary account differed slightly from the number of victims identified by the teacher.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Bako village and abducted some people working on a farm.

According to him, preliminary police information indicated that about 14 of the victims were Islamiya school students who had accompanied their instructor to harvest maize.

Abiodun, however, assured that joint security operations were ongoing to rescue the abducted persons.

The police assurance came amid concerns from residents, who maintained that local vigilantes were the only security personnel visibly involved in efforts to trace the abductors.

The Commissioner for Homeland Security in Niger State, Justin Maurice Magaji, was reportedly unavailable for comments when contacted, as he was attending a State Executive Council meeting.

The teacher subsequently released the names of the 15 students reportedly taken away by the bandits.

They are Hassana Isah, Aliya Ahmad, Hajara Musa, Hauwa’u Abubakar, Halima Yahaya, Asma’u Jamilu, Radiya Salisu, Aminatu Salisu, Aisha Bello, Rahinatu Sani, Aminatu Alhassan, Nafisa Ayuba, Bilkisu Adamu, Salaha Abdullahi and Hajara Salisu.

The reported discrepancy between the 15 names released by the teacher and the 14 Islamiya students mentioned in the police account has also raised questions about the exact number of victims.

The latest development has renewed concerns over the persistent activities of armed bandits in parts of Niger State, particularly attacks targeting rural communities and vulnerable residents.

For the families of the abducted students, however, the immediate priority remains the safe return of their children.

They are calling on the Federal Government, Niger State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure that the children are reunited with their families without further delay.

Bandits Demand Over ₦100m Ransom for 15 Abducted Islamiya Students in Niger

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FG’s N50,000 Relief: OPay Details Eligibility Check Process, Issues Strong Warning Against Scams

Published

1 day ago

November 4, 2026

Trends Admin

BREAKING: OPay Warns Customers Against Viral Shutdown Message, Threatens Legal Action

FG’s N50,000 Relief: OPay Details Eligibility Check Process, Issues Strong Warning Against Scams

Lagos, Nigeria — Following the Federal Government’s introduction of the N50,000 relief package, leading financial technology platform, OPay, has released comprehensive guidelines on how customers can verify their eligibility for the funds. The company has simultaneously issued a stern warning to users regarding the rise of fraudulent schemes targeting beneficiaries.

In a statement released on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and reported by Punch, OPay clarified the procedural steps for Nigerians to determine if they qualify for the government’s financial intervention. The move comes as millions of citizens seek clarity on accessing the relief aimed at cushioning economic hardship.

How to Check Eligibility

According to OPay, the verification process is designed to be seamless and accessible directly through the OPay mobile application. Customers are advised to log into their updated OPay app to access the dedicated section for the Federal Government’s relief program.

The fintech giant explained that users will be required to provide specific details to verify their status. Once logged in, customers can navigate to the designated “Government Relief” or notification tab where the eligibility checker is situated. The system cross-references the user’s verified identity (such as their Bank Verification Number, BVN, and National Identification Number, NIN) with government databases to confirm qualification.

Strict Warning Against Fraudsters

In a critical advisory, OPay warned customers to remain vigilant against scammers who are leveraging the news of the N50,000 relief to defraud unsuspecting citizens. The company emphasized that it will never ask customers to pay a fee or provide sensitive information over the phone to claim the relief.

“OPay urges all Nigerians to be cautious. The N50,000 relief is a government initiative, and no fee is required to check eligibility or receive funds,” a representative stated. “We will never ask for your OPay PIN, passwords, or OTPs via phone calls, text messages, or social media. Beware of fake links claiming to be from OPay or the government.”

Security Tips for Users

To ensure safety, OPay advised users to follow these guidelines:

· Use Only the App: Only check your eligibility through the official OPay mobile application.

· Protect Your Data: Never share your ATM card details, OPay PIN, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) with anyone.

· Ignore Suspicious Links: Do not click on links received via SMS or WhatsApp claiming to offer the N50,000 relief.

· Verify Information: Always confirm information through OPay’s official customer service channels or verified social media pages.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to the financial security of its customers and stated that it is working closely with relevant government agencies to ensure a smooth and transparent disbursement process for eligible beneficiaries.

For those who may face difficulties checking their eligibility, OPay has encouraged customers to contact their customer care team through the in-app support feature.