Detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu has accused the Nigerian government of infiltrating the group’s former Directorate of State leadership, saying the move created internal confusion and led to the expulsion of those he described as betrayers.
Kanu made the claim in a written address dated 30 September 2026 that was presented to the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) during its annual convention held in Duluth, Georgia, United States, from 9 to 11 October 2026.
In the address, Kanu stated that the government succeeded in penetrating the Third Administration of the Directorate of State. “When the Nigerian government succeeded in penetrating the Third Administration of our Directorate of State, many who once spoke loudly fell silent, or worse, became instruments of confusion,” he said. He added that the administration had been dissolved and that “those who betrayed the family have been sacked and expelled from the IPOB worldwide family.”
The remarks refer to events in mid-June 2026. On 17 June, Kanu announced the dissolution of the Third Administration of the Directorate of State, which had been led by Chika Edoziem since 2017. He cited “grave dereliction of duty,” particularly the alleged failure to prioritise the welfare and liberation of detained members. Kanu immediately inaugurated a Fourth Administration of 27 members and appointed United States-based Chris Nwaogu as its head. Emma Powerful was retained as the movement’s chief spokesperson. The change was communicated in a statement issued on Kanu’s behalf.
Days later, Kanu announced the indefinite expulsion of Edoziem and nine other members of the dissolved administration. Those named included Tony Nzurumike, Austin Agbanyim, Chukwudi Oforma, Isaiah Ubah, Collins Chinedu, Chinasa Nworu, Fidelis Ejiogu, Chidinma Nworu (also known as Juliet Edward Filatro), and Keke Uda. Kanu said the expulsions were disciplinary measures under IPOB’s code of conduct for alleged abandonment of detained members, obstruction of medical fundraising, and other breaches.
AVID, a group of serving and retired United States military personnel of Igbo origin, publicly backed Kanu’s restructuring at the time. The organisation stated that it recognised only Kanu as supreme leader and would engage solely with officials he appointed. In the September address, Kanu praised AVID for maintaining that stance during the internal dispute. He also singled out AVID president Dr Sylvester Onyia for repeatedly travelling to Abuja to attend court proceedings and for accompanying him during periods of ill health while in detention.
Kanu further identified Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination as organisations that provided support during his detention. He urged the groups to continue pressing for his release and for the release of others he described as Biafrans held unjustly.
In the same address, Kanu reiterated that he would not take part in any political discussion that left Biafran independence unaddressed. He said he was available only for a referendum on self-determination.
Kanu is currently serving a life sentence in Sokoto after conviction on terrorism-related charges. He has appealed the verdict. The Nigerian government has not issued a public response to the latest infiltration allegation.
The address underscores ongoing questions of authority and loyalty within pro-Biafra circles in the diaspora, even as Kanu remains in custody
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