IPOB Rejects Amnesty International’s Report, Reaffirms Commitment to Non-Violence

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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly criticised Amnesty International’s recent report on violence in Southeast Nigeria, describing it as misleading and dangerously aligned with the Nigerian government’s “state-sponsored disinformation campaign.”

In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB rejected what it called “reckless insinuations” in the report, which it said undermined the group’s peaceful struggle for self-determination.

Sit-at-Home Order Ended in 2023
IPOB maintained that it formally ended all Monday sit-at-home directives on 24 July 2023, with the announcement made via press releases, radio broadcasts, interviews, and covered by both Nigerian and international media. The group stressed that any acts of violence linked to sit-at-home enforcement after that date were carried out by unauthorised actors and could not be attributed to IPOB.

Allegations Blamed on State Saboteurs and Criminal Elements
According to IPOB, independent investigations and community testimonies show that violence in the region has been fuelled by “state-linked infiltrators” seeking to discredit the movement, as well as opportunistic criminal gangs. The group accused Amnesty International of failing to separate its peaceful advocacy from the actions of these “rogue actors.”

Track Record of Non-Violence
Founded in 2012, IPOB said it has consistently pursued its cause through peaceful means, including rallies, media campaigns, and community engagements. The statement noted that no court in Nigeria or abroad has convicted the group of violent crimes, adding that the 2022 Court of Appeal ruling in Abuja discharged IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of all charges, affirming the group’s non-violent stance.

Militarisation and Constitutional Breaches
The group accused the Nigerian government of demonising IPOB to justify heavy military presence in the Southeast. It also condemned the continued detention of Kanu despite his acquittal, arguing that it violates Section 36(8) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which protects against double jeopardy, as well as international human rights treaties.

Call to Amnesty and Global Media
IPOB urged Amnesty International, AFP, and other media organisations to acknowledge the 2023 termination of sit-at-home directives, distinguish IPOB from criminal elements, and apply rigorous scrutiny to state allegations. The group specifically called on AFP’s Nick Roll to retract any reports that “parrot Nigeria’s narrative” without evidence.

Reaffirming Peaceful Advocacy
“IPOB operates strictly within the bounds of international law,” the statement concluded. “We remain committed to non-violence, civilian protection, and the global fight for self-determination. We will not be deterred by state-sponsored defamation, flawed reporting, or constitutional violations.”