The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) escalated on Sunday as the group’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu announced the indefinite expulsion of members of the dissolved Third Administration of the Directorate of State (DOS), the movement’s highest administrative body.
The latest development follows Kanu’s June 17, 2026 decision to dissolve the Chika Edoziem-led DOS and appoint a new Fourth Administration headed by Chris Nwaogu.
The move sparked internal disagreements after Edoziem rejected the dissolution and subsequently announced Kanu’s suspension as IPOB leader. Edoziem also declared the suspension of IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful.
In response, IPOB dismissed the purported suspension, describing it as illegal, null and void. The group maintained that under its Code of Conduct, only Kanu possesses the authority to appoint or dissolve the DOS.
In a statement personally signed and made available to journalists on Sunday, Kanu announced the immediate expulsion of members of the dissolved administration.
Those expelled include Chika Edoziem, Tony Nzurumike, Austin Agbanyim, Chukwudi Oforma, Isaiah Ubah, Collins Chinedu, Chinasa Nworu, Fidelis Ejiogu, Chidinma Nworu, also known as Juliet Edward Filatro, and Keke Uda.
“I, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Supreme Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Worldwide, Head of the Biafra Restoration Project and Director of Radio Biafra, hereby announce the indefinite expulsion of the following members of the dissolved 3rd Administration of the Directorate of State from the Indigenous People of Biafra with immediate effect.
“These individuals are hereby expelled from IPOB indefinitely. They no longer represent, speak for, or act in any capacity on behalf of the Indigenous People of Biafra,” Kanu stated.
Providing background to the decision, Kanu said leadership changes within the DOS were not unprecedented, noting that the tenure of the Edoziem-led administration had expired years earlier and was only extended at his discretion.
He explained that while the dissolution of the DOS was an administrative action, the expulsions were disciplinary measures based on the conduct of the affected individuals.
According to Kanu, all actions taken were in line with the IPOB Code of Conduct.
“I appointed the 3rd Administration of the Directorate of State from Kuje Prison in March 2017. The original six-month term of that administration lapsed on 16 September 2017. They were allowed to continue in office solely at my pleasure and discretion as Supreme Leader. A change of leadership in the Directorate of State is therefore not new.
“The dissolution of the 3rd Administration of the Directorate of State was an administrative action. The expulsions announced herein are disciplinary actions arising from the conduct of the affected individuals before and after that dissolution and are based upon their repeated violations of the IPOB Code of Conduct.
“The Indigenous People of Biafra is governed by its Code of Conduct, which remains the supreme governing instrument of the movement. Every officer, coordinator, representative, and member is bound by its provisions without exception. The authority to appoint, discipline, suspend, remove, dissolve, or expel any officer or administration of IPOB is vested in the office of the Supreme Leader. The expulsions announced herein are made pursuant to that authority and in accordance with the IPOB Code of Conduct,” he said.
Kanu further alleged that the expelled officials committed several violations of the movement’s constitution and Code of Conduct.
Among the allegations were abandonment of the IPOB leader during his detention, failure to provide adequate legal and welfare support, opposition to fundraising efforts for his medical treatment, attacks on his legal team, and actions he claimed undermined his court case.
He also accused them of spreading false information, attempting to seize control of the movement, targeting individuals advocating for his release, altering IPOB’s oath of office, and replacing officers he appointed with loyalists.
“Their repeated violations of the IPOB Code of Conduct and refusal to heed repeated warnings have necessitated this disciplinary action,” Kanu added.
He warned that any individual or group associating with the expelled members would be regarded as acting against the interests of IPOB and the Biafra cause.
Kanu also directed IPOB members and supporters worldwide to support the newly constituted Fourth Administration of the Directorate of State led by Chris Nwaogu.
“The movement remains resolute, focused, and united under my clear leadership and vision,” he declared.
