BREAKING: IPoB writes diplomatic missions, seeks designation of Nigeria as state sponsor of terror

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, on Wednesday, wrote to diplomatic missions in Abuja, seeking the designation of Nigeria as “a state sponsor of terror.”

“In view of the persistent and systematic human rights violations, extrajudicial killings, kidnappings, torture, and suppression of peaceful self-determination movements …, we hereby call on the international community to officially designate the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a state sponsor of terrorism”, the letter read in part.

In the letter titled :”SOS – Urgent Global Humanitarian Intervention to End the Unlawful Detention and Torture of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu”, the pro-Biafra movement, argued that Kanu’s abduction from Kenya and extraordinary rendition to Nigeria was a violation of international law, and amounted to state sponsored terror.

An acknowledgement copy of the letter made available to Wawa News Global, indicated that some of the diplomatic missions including the British High Commission and Kenyan Embassy had received their their copies.

“The kidnapping of a lawful self-determination leader from another sovereign nation is not a domestic issue — it is international terrorism.

Failure to act emboldens future violations against activists and journalists worldwide”, the letter read in part.

The federal government could not be reached for any official reaction but it has always restated its commitment to the fight against terror, vowing to deal with those behind insecurity in the country.

IPoB argued that if those behind the act were not punished, it would embolden them for future similar actions.

The letter was submitted to the United Nations, United States Embassy, British High Commission (UK), the Chief Prosecutor, International Criminal Court (ICC), Canadian High Commission,

Delegation of the European Union (EU), Australian High Commission, Embassy of France, and Embassy of Germany.

Others were Embassy of China, Embassy of Russia, Embassy of Japan, Embassy of South Korea, Embassy of Israel, High Commission of South Africa, Embassy of Turkey, Embassy of Brazil, Embassy of Ghana, Embassy of Kenya, Embassy of Ethiopia, Embassy of Benin among others

It read:”Your Excellencies,

“This is a global SOS appeal for urgent humanitarian and diplomatic intervention in the unlawful abduction and continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was kidnapped in Kenya and extra-judicially transferred to Nigeria in June 2021 — a clear violation of international law and the sovereignty of Kenya.

“Despite rulings by Nigerian courts, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and several international human rights resolutions ordering his unconditional release, the Nigerian government continues to detain him in solitary confinement under inhumane conditions, amounting to state-sponsored terrorism and torture.

“As of now, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s health has deteriorated gravely in DSS custody. His continued detention and the harassment of peaceful campaigners like myself constitute a direct threat to human life, justice, and global peace.

“We therefore call on all world powers and international institutions to act immediately to:

“Enforce all binding local and international court orders for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s unconditional release.

” Investigate and sanction those involved in his illegal abduction from Kenya and ongoing torture in Nigeria.

” Demand the protection of peaceful IPOB members and campaigners against arbitrary arrests, harassment, and persecution.

” Recognize the extraordinary humanitarian urgency of this case and initiate emergency diplomatic dialogue to prevent further escalation.

“We humbly urge your offices to treat this matter as a life-saving emergency and a moral test of global justice.

The unlawful abduction of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya, a foreign sovereign nation, without due extradition process, constitutes an act of international terrorism and a grave violation of international conventions on human rights and state sovereignty.

“This singular act, combined with the Nigerian State’s ongoing persecution, killings, and detention of peaceful IPOB members, reflect’a consistent pattern of state terrorism targeted at civilians exercising their fundamental rights.

We therefore demand that:

“1 The United Nations, African Union, European Union, United States, and other world powers urgently launch a global inquiry into Nigeria’s acts of state terrorism.

“2. Nigeria be classified under international law as a terrorist state until it ceases all forms of unlawful abductions, secret detentions, and targeted violence against unarmed civilians.

“3. The ICC expand its ongoing investigations into Nigeria to include crimes against humanity, enforced disappearances, and transnational terrorism.

“4. Global governments impose targeted sanctions on individuals and state institutions responsible for these grave violations”