Princewill Chimezie Richards, the 33-year-old leader of the Biafra Nations League (BnL), has died suddenly, his family announced on Friday, July 10, 2026. The family described his passing as sudden and said they are going through a deeply painful period.
Family Confirms Death of BnL Leader
In a statement shared exclusively with Legit.ng via the deceased's known WhatsApp phone number, the family of Princewill Chimezie Richards confirmed his death. The statement was also reproduced on Chimezie's Facebook page, which has close to 6,000 followers.
The statement read: "It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Princewill Chimezie Richardson." The family paid tribute to Richardson, recalling the warmth and kindness he showed those close to him and "the enduring memories he left behind."
Family Seeks Prayers and Support
The grieving relatives turned to the public for support, requesting that Richardson be remembered in prayer. The statement added: "We kindly ask you to remember him in your prayers and keep our family in your thoughts as we go through this painful time. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace."
An Imo state-based cleric, Ibenyenwa Patrick Paschal, confirmed the development, responding to sceptics in a Facebook post: "It's true. His younger siblings called to inform me." Another source, Nnamdi William, also confirmed Chimezie's death, stating that the deceased's family had access to his phone.
Details of Death and Background
Although the family did not disclose the actual cause of death, Legit.ng learnt that Chimezie died at a private hospital in Imo state, apparently after receiving treatment. Funeral arrangements are expected to be disclosed.
Chimezie had been inactive on Facebook since late June, a departure from his usual posting pattern. He was the son of the late Eze Richardson Ekegbu, the first Eze Ndigbo of Obigbo in Rivers state. He was also an entrepreneur with multiple business interests.
About the Biafra Nations League
BnL is a separatist and militant group advocating for the independence of the Biafra region, with its operational headquarters in the Bakassi Peninsula. Originally established in 2013 as the Biafra Nations Youth League, the organisation operates mainly in the Gulf of Guinea and the southeastern coastal areas of Nigeria.
This development comes after the recent transfer of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to a correctional centre in Sokoto following his life sentence. Kanu, who grew up in south-eastern Nigeria and attended the University of Nsukka, moved to the United Kingdom before graduating and acquired British nationality.
