Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and his former disciple Chikadibia Edoziem have announced conflicting leadership changes within the separatist group. Kanu, currently serving a life sentence at Sokoto prison, dissolved the third Directorate of the State (DOS) and inaugurated a fourth DOS administration headed by Chris Nwaọgụ. The third DOS was led by Edoziem, who had been appointed by Kanu in 2017 during Kanu's initial detention at Kuje prison.
Dissolution of the Third DOS Administration
In a statement issued on the authority of Kanu and forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful on Tuesday, the dissolution followed a careful assessment of the performance, priorities, and stewardship of the movement during one of the most critical periods in its history. The statement, also posted on X by Kanu's brother Kanunta Kanu, cited specific failures of the Edoziem-led third DOS, including abandonment of detained IPOB members, misplaced priorities, internal distractions, failure to protect IPOB's integrity, and failure to safeguard strategic communication platforms.
The statement said the primary role of the DOS is to protect IPOB, safeguard its integrity, defend its members, care for those persecuted for the cause, and advance strategic objectives laid down by Kanu. It noted that the third DOS fell short of these obligations in several fundamental respects. The new DOS, Chris Nwaọgụ, is mandated to rebuild confidence, restore unity, and re-establish a culture of accountability, discipline, and collective responsibility. Nwaọgụ has accepted the appointment in an acceptance speech circulated by Kanunta and Powerful.
Edoziem's Counter-Statement and Suspension of Kanu
In a counter-statement on Thursday, Edoziem rejected the dissolution, asserting that no individual has the authority to dissolve the DOS, which he described as the apex institution overseeing IPOB affairs. He declared any claim of dissolution null and void, urging IPOB members and the public to ignore it. Edoziem argued that IPOB was formed and nurtured by a group of Biafrans in the diaspora, not by any singular individual, though records show IPOB was founded by Kanu in 2012.
Edoziem announced the indefinite suspension of Kanu's position as IPOB leader and as director of Radio Biafra, effective immediately. He claimed the decision was taken during a meeting of DOS members on Wednesday as part of efforts to reposition the movement. The suspension was reportedly in response to a tip-off that Kanu met with State Security Service and Nigeria Intelligence Agency personnel at Sokoto prison, allegedly reaching an agreement to compromise IPOB, dissolve the DOS, and set up a militia body to cause violence in Nigeria's South-east. Edoziem stated that the suspension was to prevent crimes being committed under Kanu's authority and that IPOB would not be held accountable for unauthorized actions.
IPOB Spokesperson Dismisses Suspension
When contacted on Friday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful dismissed Edoziem's claims, stating that Kanu has always been the leader of the movement. Powerful said, “Nnamdi Kanu has been the leader of this movement from the onset. The Edoziem-led group has been sacked.” He suggested that Edoziem was angry over the dissolution of his leadership.
Background of IPOB Leadership Crisis
IPOB is a separatist group seeking to carve out a sovereign state of Biafra from South-east and parts of South-south Nigeria. Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2025 on terrorism charges and is currently serving his term at Sokoto prison, with an appeal pending. Since Kanu's initial arrest in 2015 and rearrest in 2021, IPOB has suffered an intense leadership crisis.
Previously, factional IPOB leader Simon Ekpa repeatedly disobeyed Kanu's directives. In July 2023, Kanu directed Ekpa to halt an illegal sit-at-home order, but Ekpa rejected the directive. Ekpa was sentenced to six years in prison in Finland in 2025 for terrorism-related offences.
