IPOB Rejects Inclusion in Terrorism List, Accuses Tinubu Govt of Hypocrisy
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has criticised the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government over its inclusion in a recently released terrorism-related sanctions list, describing the move as hypocritical and an attempt to criminalise its agitation for self-determination.
The group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, in a statement on Monday, described the list as a “theatre of absurdity” and a “disgraceful farce,” accusing the government of trying to mislead Nigerians and the international community.
SaharaReporters had reported on Sunday, April 12, that the Federal Government released a list of 48 individuals and 12 corporate entities allegedly linked to terrorism financing in Nigeria.
The report stated that the list was published on the website of the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NIGSAC), which operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
It added that the document detailed the identities, nationalities, roles, and alleged affiliations of those named.
Those listed include Abdulsamat Ohida, Mohammed Sani, Abdurrahman Abdurrahman, Fatima Ishaq, Tukur Mamu, Yusuf Ghazali, Muhammad Sani, Abubakar Muhammad, Sallamudeen Hassan, Adamu Ishak, Hassana Isah, Abdulkarim Musa, Umar Abdullahi, Abdurrahman Ado, Bashir Yusuf, Ibrahim Alhassan, Muhammad Isah, Salihu Adamu and Surajo Mohammad.
Others are Fannami Bukar, Muhammed Musa, Sahabi Ismail, Mohammed Buba, Jama’atu Wal-Jihad, Ansarul Sudan (ANSARU), Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Yan Group, Yan Group NLBDG, Adamu Hassan, Hassan Mohammed, Usman Abubakar, Kubara Salawu, Rabiu Suleiman, Simon Njoku, Godstime Iyare, Francis Mmadubuchi, John Onwumere, Chikwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, Chiwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, Mercy Ali, Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie and Ogumu Kewe.
The listed entities include West and East Africa General Trading Co. Ltd, Settings Bureau De Change Ltd, G. Side General Enterprises, Desert Exchange Ventures Limited, Eagle Square General Trading Co. Ltd, Alfa Exchange BDC, Alin Yar Yaya General Enterprises, K. Are Nigeria Limited, Suhailah Bashir General Enterprises, Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises, Seficuvi Global Company and Lakurawa Sect.
Reacting to the development, IPOB rejected any link to terrorism and accused the Nigerian government of violence against unarmed civilians, particularly in the South-East region.
It said a government it described as having a history of unleashing violence on civilians lacked moral authority to define terrorism.
The group alleged that peaceful protests, assemblies, and prayer gatherings by its members had repeatedly been met with force by security agencies.
IPOB also claimed that women and children had been among those affected during such operations. It further referenced the Nigerian Civil War, alleging that millions of Biafran children were starved during the conflict.
The group accused the government of orchestrating the extraordinary rendition, torture, and imprisonment of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
IPOB said the terrorism list was not about security but an attempt to intimidate and silence dissent. It insisted the move had failed as “intimidation, blackmail and propaganda.”
The group maintained that it is a people-driven movement rooted in the right to self-determination. It also argued that its activities are lawful in several countries abroad.
IPOB added that the greatest threat to peace in Nigeria was not peaceful agitation movements, and propaganda would not stop its struggle for self-determination, insisting that the agitation remained non-negotiable.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
