The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on the Federal Government to stop making what it described as misleading claims regarding its proscription, insisting that it has not been lawfully declared a terrorist or proscribed organisation under Nigerian or international law.
In a statement released by its Directorate of Legal Affairs and signed by spokesperson Emma Powerful, IPOB argued that the 2017 ex parte order used by the government did not follow due legal process and cannot be considered a lawful conviction.
“The ex parte order was granted without any prior notice to IPOB, no presentation of evidence, and no opportunity for a defense,” the group stated. “This clearly violates Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.”
IPOB warned individuals, organisations, and media platforms against labelling it a terrorist group without a valid court judgment, cautioning that such actions could attract legal consequences under defamation and constitutional rights laws.
Reiterating its position, IPOB emphasized that no competent court has issued a final, post-trial ruling proscribing it as a terrorist organisation. It added that the group is actively challenging the legal foundation of the ex parte order, including at the Supreme Court.
The group also reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy, noting that unlike recognised terrorist organisations designated by international bodies, it has consistently sought legal means to defend its reputation.
IPOB urged the media to uphold journalistic integrity by avoiding terms that are not legally supported. It stressed that the terms “proscribed organisation” and “terrorist group” are not interchangeable and should not be used loosely without a solid legal basis.
IPOB called on the judiciary and all government institutions to respect the Nigerian Constitution and ensure that all individuals and groups, regardless of their cause or background, are granted their right to a fair hearing.
