A former mayor of Blanco City in Texas, United States, Mike Arnold, has alleged that the British government is against the creation of an independent Biafran state due to fears of a massive reparations demand.
Arnold, who has openly supported the Biafra cause, made the claim in a Facebook post titled “Britain’s bill is due.” He argued that an independent Biafra could seek as much as $6 trillion from Britain, describing it as potentially the largest reparations claim in history.
According to him, the figure represents roughly twice the United Kingdom’s annual Gross Domestic Product and is based on historical grievances tied to colonial-era actions and the Nigerian Civil War.
Arnold traced the roots of the dispute to the 1914 amalgamation of Nigeria by British colonial authorities, which he described as a forced union of diverse regions. He also referenced Britain’s role during the 1967–1970 civil war, alleging that the UK supported Nigeria’s federal government to protect its economic interests, particularly in oil.
He claimed that at the time, Shell-BP—partly owned by the British government—controlled a significant share of Nigeria’s oil production, much of it located in the former Biafran territory.
Arnold further accused Britain of backing Nigeria militarily during the war while downplaying the humanitarian crisis that followed, including widespread famine.
Providing a breakdown of the proposed reparations, he cited estimated oil revenues, alleged wrongful deaths, structural damages linked to colonial policies, and other factors such as arms supply and humanitarian impact.
He maintained that a sovereign Biafran government could pursue the claim through international legal channels, including the International Court of Justice.
Arnold’s comments reflect longstanding positions held by pro-Biafra groups, including the American Veterans of Igbo Descent and other advocacy organizations, which have also accused Britain of influencing Nigeria’s stance on separatist movements.
These groups have previously linked Britain’s position to the case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who holds British citizenship and is currently serving a life sentence on terrorism-related charges in Nigeria.
The British government has not officially responded to Arnold’s claims.
