Nnamdi Kanu issues new directives from Sokoto prison, warns against internal attacks

The imprisoned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has issued fresh directives cautioning supporters, associates and visitors against public attacks, unauthorised statements and actions he said could undermine his detention conditions and the broader struggle.

The directives were conveyed on Sunday by two members of his legal team, Nnaemeka Ejiofor and Patrick Agazie, following an official visit to him at the Sokoto Correctional Centre in Sokoto State, where he is currently being held.

Speaking in a recorded address to supporters, Ejiofor said Kanu instructed that no one should publicly attack the IPOB Directorate of State (DOS), describing it as his own creation that must be accorded respect.

“He has directed that from now henceforth nobody should castigate the Directorate of State, otherwise known as the DOS. The DOS is his structure and must be respected by all and sundry,” Ejiofor said.

According to him, Kanu further directed that affiliated organisations — AVID, the Rising Sun, and the Ambassadors of the Third Nation — should be respected, alongside specific individuals he named as close associates, including Dr. Sylvester Onye, Evans Nwankwo and Maxwell Dede.

Ejiofor stated that Kanu warned that any attack on the DOS, the listed groups, the named individuals or members of his family would be regarded as a personal attack on him.

“He strongly directs that nobody should castigate members of his family. Whoever attacks the DOS, AVID, Rising Sun, Ambassadors of Third Nation, Dr. Sylvester Onye, Evans Nwankwo, Maxwell Dede, or members of his family, attacks Mazi Nnamdi Kanu personally and such a person will not be forgiven,” he said.

Kanu also urged supporters to exercise restraint and remain united, describing the period as critical for consolidating efforts. He acknowledged the roles played by other pro-Biafra groups and individuals, noting that although they were too numerous to mention individually, their contributions were recognised.

In another directive, Kanu barred visitors from making public broadcasts or statements about meetings held with him in detention, stressing that any message from him would be communicated directly to those concerned.

“From now henceforth, anybody who comes to see Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is forbidden from making public broadcasts or discourse as to the outcome of their meetings,” Ejiofor said. “If he has a message, the message will be sent to whoever is directly affected.”

He added that Kanu restricted public statements regarding his condition or case to his lawyers or persons he expressly authorises.

Addressing allegations that visits to Kanu were monetised, Ejiofor said Kanu rejected the claims, insisting that no money is required to see him and that visits are conducted strictly in line with administrative procedures at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.

“Whoever wants to visit him should follow the established protocol: valid means of identification, passport photographs, and completion of forms provided by the correctional officers for screening and approval,” Ejiofor explained.

He challenged those making allegations of extortion to publicly disclose how much they allegedly paid, describing the claims as false.

Ejiofor said Kanu was “deeply disappointed” by individuals he accused of promoting discord rather than unity, warning that such actions were detrimental to both his detention situation and the overall struggle.

Speaking separately, Agazie disclosed an additional directive from Kanu instructing a woman identified as Lolo Nneka Chimezie to stop making public statements about him, his detention or his case.

“MNK states that he gave no directions to her to make any public statement on his behalf and urges the public to discount and disregard radio broadcasts, press interviews and correspondences being issued by her,” Agazie said.

Agazie also dismissed claims that Kanu’s family or his lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, had turned visitations into a transactional process, saying Kanu personally investigated the allegations and found them to be untrue.

He described the claims as baseless and urged those spreading them to “seek psychiatric examination,” stressing that adherence to established visitation protocols remained the only requirement for access.

“If you comply with the protocol, you will see him. If you do not comply, you will not see him,” he said.

Kanu is currently facing terrorism-related charges brought by the Nigerian government, which he has consistently denied. His continued detention and trial have remained a source of controversy, internal divisions among pro-Biafra groups and international scrutiny.

(SAHARA REPORTERS)