Kanu expels Chika Edoziem, 9 IPOB leaders over alleged betrayal, sabotage

Imprisoned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has announced the indefinite expulsion of 10 senior members of the group’s dissolved third Directorate of State, accusing them of abandoning him during detention and attempting to hijack the separatist movement for personal and political interests.

In a statement attributed to Kanu and shared on Sunday via X by his brother, Kanunta Kanu, the IPOB leader declared that the affected individuals no longer have any authority to speak or represent the organisation.

He said the action was taken under the authority of his office as “Supreme Leader” and in line with the IPOB Code of Conduct, which empowers him to appoint, suspend, dissolve and expel officers of the group.

The expelled members include Chika Edoziem, Tony Nzurumike, Austin Agbanyim, Chukwudi Oforma, Isaiah Ubah, Colins Chinedu, Chinasa Nworu, Fidelis Ejiogu, Chidinma Nworu (also known as Juliet Edward Filatro), and Keke Uda.

Kanu said the disciplinary action followed alleged violations of the group’s internal code of conduct, as well as conduct he described as betrayal of the movement’s leadership and structure.

He recalled that the affected individuals were part of the third Directorate of State he constituted in March 2017 while detained at Kuje Prison, noting that although the administration was initially set for six months, it continued until its eventual dissolution.

According to him, the expelled members failed to provide adequate legal, welfare and medical support during his detention and also allegedly obstructed fundraising efforts by support groups seeking to aid his treatment while in DSS custody.

Kanu further accused them of undermining his legal defence teams, collaborating with unnamed political actors in the South-East, and spreading false narratives regarding his court cases and political negotiations.

He also alleged that they altered internal IPOB structures, replaced appointed officers with loyalists, and promoted divisive narratives aimed at weakening the movement.

Kanu warned that anyone associating with the expelled members would be considered as acting against IPOB and the broader Biafra agitation.

He directed supporters to recognise the fourth Directorate of State led by Chris Nwaọgụ, insisting that the movement remains under his leadership despite his continued detention.

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