‘A NULLITY FROM THE START’: SUPREME COURT’S NYAKO BIAS FINDING ROCKS OMOTOSHO TRIAL

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) says its leadership is intensifying diplomatic and legal efforts over the continued detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, while accusing the Nigerian and British governments of failing to uphold principles of justice.

The claims were contained in a weekly address issued on Sunday, August 9, 2026, by Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, Head of the Fourth Administration of IPOB’s Directorate of State (DOS).

According to Nwaọgụ, the IPOB Elders Advisory Council, alongside the group’s lobbyists in Washington, D.C., recently met with officials of the United States Department of State.

He said the discussions focused on what IPOB described as attacks against Judeo-Christians in parts of Biafraland, which the group alleged had received insufficient coverage in Nigerian media.

Nwaọgụ said details of the meeting could not be disclosed because of diplomatic considerations but assured IPOB members that the group’s international engagement would continue.

The IPOB official also announced the return of the group’s Woman Leader, Madam Bridget Okafor, to the United States after a visit to Sokoto, where she met with Kanu.

He said the discussions during the visit provided further insight into what IPOB described as the continued “illegal captivity” of its leader.

IPOB Accuses UK of Complicity

Nwaọgụ also launched a strong criticism of the United Kingdom over its handling of Kanu’s case.

He argued that the British government should intervene because Kanu is a British citizen and, according to IPOB, his trial failed to meet basic standards of fairness.

He cited the Supreme Court’s earlier observations concerning the impartiality of the trial judge, arguing that the UK could not continue to remain passive.

“Five years have passed. Five years of illegal detention. Five years of torture. Five years of a sham trial,” Nwaọgụ said, while accusing the UK Government of providing diplomatic cover for Kanu’s continued detention.

He further claimed that the British Government had maintained that it was still awaiting a response to a diplomatic Note Verbale submitted to Nigeria in June 2021.

The allegations against the UK and Nigerian governments are claims made by IPOB and were not independently established in the statement.

Group Rejects Claims of Internal Division

Addressing what he described as propaganda against the organisation, Nwaọgụ alleged that the Nigerian government had pursued a strategy of weakening IPOB from within.

He claimed that attempts to create divisions within the organisation had failed and said individuals allegedly associated with the group’s former Third Administration had been removed and expelled.

Nwaọgụ also accused Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and Minister of Works Dave Umahi of participating in efforts to undermine Kanu’s standing among the Igbo.

The IPOB official alleged that the objective was to turn the Igbo population against Kanu and ultimately force him into exile after his release.

He described Kanu as deeply committed to the Biafra cause and said the IPOB leader remained determined despite his prolonged detention.

Nwaọgụ further said the organisation was now operating as “one family,” insisting that internal divisions and the era of “Autopilot” were over.

IPOB Says It Is Documenting Detentions

On the welfare of detained and deceased members, Nwaọgụ said the organisation was continuing to document cases involving its members held in various detention facilities.

He said IPOB lawyers had been instructed to keep families and the wider public informed about concrete legal steps being taken.

“We will not abandon any of our own,” he said.

Group Reiterates Challenge to IPOB Proscription

Nwaọgụ also reiterated IPOB’s position that the order proscribing the organisation was unlawful.

He said the group’s appeal before the Supreme Court remained pending and argued that Nigerian law protected the right to free association.

According to him, IPOB would continue circulating what it described as the original Gazette relating to the proscription so that members and the international community could examine its contents.

IPOB Calls for De-escalation in Anambra

On security in the South-East, Nwaọgụ called for de-escalation of tensions in Ihiala and surrounding areas.

He rejected allegations linking the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to insecurity in the region and accused unnamed individuals of promoting what he called a false narrative.

He also urged the Anambra State Government to release the report of the panel led by human rights lawyer Professor Chidi Odinkalu, which IPOB claims exonerated the organisation and Kanu.

IPOB Challenges Kanu’s Conviction and Sokoto Detention

A major portion of the address focused on Kanu’s ongoing appeal and his detention at the Sokoto Custodial Centre.

Nwaọgụ argued that findings by the Supreme Court concerning alleged bias involving the original trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, undermined the subsequent proceedings.

He further alleged that Justice James Omotosho inherited a compromised case and subsequently conducted what IPOB described as a “sham trial.”

Nwaọgụ maintained that Kanu’s conviction should therefore be declared a nullity.

He also questioned the decision to keep Kanu in Sokoto, arguing that the IPOB leader had previously advocated for the release of detained Northerners, including Muslims and Christians.

According to him, Kanu’s transfer to Sokoto amounted to persecution rather than justice.

Citing the 1924 English legal principle from R v. Sussex Justices, ex parte McCarthy, Nwaọgụ argued that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.

He maintained that where judicial bias exists or is reasonably suspected, proceedings should be set aside and a fresh trial conducted before a different judge.

Nwaọgụ also alleged that Kanu had survived several attempts on his life while in detention, including what he described as wrong medication, poisoning and planned attacks.

Those allegations were presented as part of IPOB’s account and were not independently substantiated in the statement.

IPOB Says International and Legal Efforts Will Continue

Concluding the address, Nwaọgụ said IPOB’s international engagements and legal actions were part of a coordinated strategy aimed at securing Kanu’s freedom and advancing the group’s campaign for Biafra.

He praised IPOB members and the organisation’s Fourth Administration, as well as what he called the “100 men and women of the Divine Project.”

The IPOB official ended by demanding Kanu’s “immediate and unconditional” release and declared that the movement would continue pursuing its Biafra agenda.

“Biafra is coming — whether they like it or not,” Nwaọgụ declared.