Biafra: Ekpa-led BRGIE Issues Strong Warning on Nnamdi Kanu’s Health, Declares Lockdown

The Simon Ekpa-led Biafra Republic Government In-Exile has threatened to shut down Nigerian government offices in Biafraland over the alleged mistreatment of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Ekpa’s statement comes amid claims by Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, that Kanu is suffering from shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and general malaise. Ejimakor also alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS) has denied doctors access to Kanu despite his ill health.

In response, Ekpa, known as the Prime Minister of BRGIE, stated via his official X handle on Tuesday that the Nigerian government appears to have a sinister agenda in detaining Kanu since June 2021.

Ekpa wrote, “It is very clear that the Nigerian state does not want Mazi Nnamdi Kanu alive. Therefore, the Biafra government is taking decisive measures to sanction Nigeria’s state.

“In protest of this devastating development, the Biafra Government will shut down all Nigerian government secretariats in Biafraland, government houses, LG government secretariats, and all Nigerian government institutions.

“If you are serving the Nigerian government as a civil servant in Biafraland, your premises will be shut on the following dates: July 29, 2024, total shutdown of your offices in Biafraland; July 30, 2024, total shutdown of your offices in Biafraland; July 31, 2024, total shutdown of your offices in Biafraland; and August 2, 2024, the entire Biafraland will be under lock and key.”

In May, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court dismissed a fresh request by Nnamdi Kanu for bail. Additionally, the perennial Monday sit-at-home observance in the South-East has been a source of concern. Despite IPOB’s statements that it has been cancelled, the Ekpa-led group has continued to enforce it in some parts of the region.