IPOB Accuses Security Agencies of Tagging Criminals as Members to Tarnish Image

IPOB Accuses Security Agencies of Tagging Criminals as Members to Tarnish Image The Directorate of States of the Indigenous People of Biafra...

IPOB Accuses Security Agencies of Tagging Criminals as Members to Tarnish Image

The Directorate of States of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the leadership of Mazi Chukwukadibia Edoziem, has issued a public clarification rejecting claims that four men recently arraigned in court on terrorism and kidnapping charges are members of the group.

In a statement dated 2 October 2026 and signed by Dr C. Okadigbo the DOS Press Secretary, the movement said media reports linking Michael Okafor, Chinedu Joseph Chukwudozie (alias Kante), Chibunna Olisa, and Chigozie Olisa (alias Ability) to IPOB are “false, malicious and a calculated attempt to link IPOB to criminality.”

The four men were arraigned on 28 September 2026 before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge of terrorism and kidnapping. Prosecutors allege they conspired to commit acts of terrorism and participated in the abduction and subsequent killing of Department of State Services (DSS) operative Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh while he was travelling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Awka, Anambra State. They are also accused of membership of IPOB and its Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as unlawful possession of firearms, including an AK-47 rifle and a pump-action gun. All four pleaded not guilty. Subsequent court hearings have seen the judge warn defence counsel against delays in the trial.

The Edoziem-led DOS statement asserts that the four individuals “have NEVER been members of IPOB. They are unknown to our movement, they are not in any IPOB/ESN family unit or formation worldwide.” It further claims the group maintains strict membership records and that “IPOB does not harbour criminals.”

The statement accuses Nigerian security agencies of a pattern of blackmail: “Whenever they arrest criminals, cultists, or their own agents, they quickly tag them IPOB/ESN to tarnish our peaceful image before the court and the international community.” It challenges the Nigeria Police and DSS to produce any evidence—such as registration records, meeting attendance, or other authentic material proof linking the defendants to IPOB, stating that none exists.

The clarification urges the public, media, and court to “disregard the false label,” insisting that “the trial of these individuals has nothing to do with IPOB.” It describes IPOB as “a peaceful movement registered globally and focused on the self-determination of the Biafran people through lawful means.”

IPOB has consistently maintained that its activities are non-violent movement. The document is issued under the Directorate of States led by Mazi Chukwukadibia (Chika) Edoziem. 

Family Writers Press International Reporting