Pro-Biafra group accuses FG of plotting to commit mass murder

In a statement released by the group's deputy leader, Uche Mefor, said the act is a deliberate manipulation by the government to systematically carry out a genocide in the southeast region that witnessed unrest two weeks ago resulting in the group's proscription.

Mefor's statement read, "This is an act and conduct so heinous, barbaric and atrocious which run counter to and pose direct threat to the very aims and objectives for which of the United Nations organisation was established.

"Terrorism is an infrequently used criminal terminology so heavy and complex a global phenomenon that the rogue Nigerian state has now employed as a false alibi to continue to commit mass murder and other atrocities which engage the heinous crimes of crime against humanity and genocide prohibited in international human rights and criminal legal orders.

"The ongoing genocide being carried out against the Indigenous People of Biafra by the Nigerian state controlled by the bloodthirsty, cruel Northern Hausa-Fulanis cannot be overlooked by the responsible members of the international community.

"While this wickedness and hatred against the Biafran people last, IPOB remains non-violent and unarmed no matter the amount of provocation. IPOB is a group of Biafran citizens of professionals and ordinary people not only located in the land of Biafra but also in Nigerian territory and all over the world."

Mefor further argued that the government's proscription of the group's activities is a violation of the United Nations General Assembly Declaration on the rights of Indigenous People 2007.

"The African Union adopted it and subsequently all African Union member states including Nigeria. The antics of the Nigerian establishment stands illegal and should be condemned by all.

"Accordingly, all IPOB family units in different countries are by this directed to embark on massive, co-ordinated petitioning exercise targeting governments of their host countries of residence and take other legal actions as may be deemed appropriate.

"You are also directed to petition all embassies of governments around the world in your countries of residence. More importantly, all heads of Nigerian embassy missions in your countries of residence must be taken legal actions against across board," he said.

Mefor also condemned the invasion of the home of the group's leader, Nnamdi Kanu, by the military, as IPOB continues to claim that he is secretly in the government's custody.

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has dismissed the claims saying he suspects that Kanu is in hiding.

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On Wednesday, September 20, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the Federal Government an interim injunction proscribing activities of IPOB.

This came after the separatist group was officially branded a "militant terrorist organisation" in a statement by Director, Defence Information (DDI), Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, on Friday, September 15.

This was followed up by an official proscription of activities of the group by the South East Governors' Forum later on Friday after an emergency meeting in Enugu.

Kanu, who is currently on bail on charges of treasonable felony, is expected to appear at the Federal High court in Abuja on October 17 to resume trial.

He was granted bail by Justice Binta Nyako on Tuesday, April 25, with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Jewish High Chief Priest, Immanuu-El Shalom Okabemadu and a Chartered Accountant resident in Abuja, Tochukwu Uchendu, signing his bail bond.