The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has alleged that its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by a Department of State Services (DSS) operative on Friday, October 24, 2025.
In a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB described the alleged incident as “a barbaric and criminal assault” and “a continuation of efforts to silence a peaceful and lawful movement.”
IPOB’s Allegation
According to the group, the alleged attack occurred shortly after Kanu was returned from court to the DSS facility in Abuja. IPOB claimed that one of the DSS operatives escorting him “physically attacked and attempted to strangle him within the confines of the facility.”
The group further alleged that this was part of a “series of covert attempts” to eliminate its leader, adding that previous efforts had included “poison-induced organ failure, torture, and prolonged solitary confinement.”
> “What the Nigerian state could not achieve through unlawful rendition, starvation, and prolonged detention, it is now attempting to accomplish through direct physical violence,” the statement read.
“This latest attack confirms that the life of our leader is in grave danger.”
Criticism of the Judiciary
IPOB also accused the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, of indifference toward what it described as “inhuman conditions and physical assaults” faced by Kanu while in DSS custody.
> “How can a court of law look away while the accused person is brutalized by the same security agents prosecuting him?” IPOB queried, adding that the “prosecutor, jailer, and torturer should not be one and the same institution.”
The group recalled previous incidents, including the 2017 invasion of Kanu’s home and his 2021 arrest in Kenya, claiming these were part of an ongoing “pattern of persecution.”
It also faulted the continued disregard for the Court of Appeal’s 2022 judgment, which discharged and acquitted Kanu, and condemned alleged surveillance of confidential discussions between him and his legal counsel.
Call to the International Community
In the statement, IPOB called on the British Government, African Union, United Nations, and Commonwealth of Nations to intervene, warning that Kanu’s safety must not be compromised.
> “As a British citizen, the UK Government bears moral and political responsibility for his safety,” the statement said.
“If anything happens to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the consequences will be far-reaching.”
Demands and Next Steps
The group demanded Kanu’s immediate transfer from the DSS facility to a “neutral and lawful correctional center,” such as Kuje Prison, arguing that no accused person should be detained by the same agency prosecuting them.
> “We will not be provoked into violence, but we will not remain silent while our leader’s life is endangered,” IPOB warned.
The DSS has not issued an official response to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
Background
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, has been in DSS custody since his June 2021 arrest and rendition from Kenya. He faces charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony.
In October 2022, the Court of Appeal in Abuja discharged and acquitted him, ruling that his extradition violated due process. However, the Supreme Court later allowed the Federal Government the option of retrying him but did not explicitly vacate the appellate court’s discharge order.
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Editor’s Note:
This report reflects allegations by IPOB, which have not yet been independently verified. The DSS and Federal Government are expected to respond to the claims in due course.
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