Biafra: Presidency Speaks On What Will Happen If IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu Returns To Nigeria

Presidency Reacts To Nnamdi Kanu’s Reappearance

The presidency has reacted to the reappearance of Nnamdi Kanu, months after the Biafran leader was rumoured to have been killed by security operatives.

In an interview on the BBC Hausa Service, President Muhammadu Buhari’s media aide, Garba Shehu said,“If it happens to be true, the video footage showing Mr Nnamdi Kanu; the truth has been revealed about his alleged assassination against Nigerian government,”

Kanu, the controversial leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), disappeared last year after clashes between his supporters and soldiers involved in a military exercise in Abia State.

Many IPOB supporters accused the military of killing the IPOB leader. His trial for felony was also stalled due to his absence as his lawyer insisted he was either killed or kidnapped by soldiers who attacked his family house during the operation python dance.

The separatist leader however appeared in a video last Friday; with his lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, saying he had since spoken to his client who apparently escaped out of Nigeria.

Although the video showed him in Israel, Naija News reports the Israeli government has said Mr Kanu had not entered the country recently and the video could be an old one.

Mr Kanu in the broadcast on Sunday from his hideout, said, “I have returned full-time and I’m coming back home I will bring hell with me,”

He insisted on his group’s demand for a referendum for Igbos to determine if they want to be part of Nigeria or want a separate Biafra country.

While speaking, earlier today, Mr Shehu said the Nigerian government was put under pressure on false accusations Mr Kanu had either been killed or kidnapped.

“This fairy tale went up to United Nations General Assembly where some IPOB members staged a protest accusing Nigerian government of kidnapping and even killing of Mr. Kanu,” Mr Shehu said.

He said now that Mr Kanu has appeared, people will know who lied between the government and those that made accusations.

When asked what will happen if Mr. Kanu eventually returns to Nigeria, Mr Shehu said his trial would be expected to continue.

Meanwhile Naija News recalls that followers of the Biafra leader have expressed displeasure against their leader due to his broadcast which they described as callous and insensitive.