Biafra: IPOB Drags Governors, Army And Police Chiefs To US Court

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, and 14 other Nigerian officials have been taken to a US court by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over alledged involvement in the extra-judicial killings of its members.

According to IPOB, the alleged killings happened during protests over the arrest and detention of the group’s leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Those dragged before the US court, alongside Buratai and Idris according to The Sun are: Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra, Lawal Musa Daura; Ibrahim Attahiru; M.I. Ibrahim; Kasim Umar Sidi; Issah Maigari Abdullahi; former IGP Solomon Arase; Habila Hosea; Peter Nwagbara; James Oshim Nwafor; Hosea Karma; Bassey Abang and Johnson Babatunde Kokumo.

The suit was filed based on two US’ statutes; the Alien Tort Claims Act (ATCA or ATS – the Alien Tort Statute) and the Torture Victims Protection Act (TVPA), which allows US federal courts to entertain matters beyond the borders of the United States of America.

In the suit, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, disclosed the group’s lawyers believe the case is worth pursuing.

“Beyond the latest processes, and at the ensuing trial, Buratai, Ikpeazu, Obiano and others, will be required to personally appear before the US court to testify under oath and cross-examination that will dwell on the details…

A counter -motion has also been filed on February 6 by Abia and Anambra states according to IPOB.