The United States of Biafra lawyer, Jonathan Levy has slammed Radio Biafra and others over defamatory publications regarding the alleged killings in Orsu and other communities in Imo and Anambra states in south-east Nigeria.
Levy, made this known in a letter notice dated 16th May, demanding an apology and outright retraction of the publication.
This follows a publication on Biafra Radio on March 27, 2025, ‘ESN/IPOB Was Never Involved in the Barbarism That Happened in Orsu and Other Communities in Imo and Anambra States—IPOB.’
However, USB-led by Simon Ekpa and deputised by Ngozi Orabueze said the publication contained defamatory and false information, particularly in reference to its prime minister, Ekpa, and the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA).
“The publication contains false, defamatory, and malicious statements concerning our client and its affiliates, particularly in reference to USB’s Prime Minister, Mazi Simon Ekpa, an affiliate of the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA).
“The article falsely alleges, either directly or by implication, that Mr. Ekpa, the BLA, and by extension, USB, are responsible for murder and other acts of violence in southeastern Nigeria; are agents or collaborators of the Nigerian government, engaging in activities to undermine Biafra’s liberation are engaged in barbarism” and crimes against Biafran communities, including Orsu, Imo, and Anambra States.
“These allegations are patently false, unsubstantiated, and defamatory. Neither Mazi Simon Ekpa, the BLA defence force, nor any affiliated entity or official of the United States of Biafra has been involved in any such acts.
“Your publication, in asserting these claims without any factual foundation or due diligence, constitutes actionable libel under applicable domestic and international defamation laws both in the United Kingdom and the United States.
“The published content attributed to Emma Powerful, media and publicity self-described spokesman for IPOB, indicates infiltration of Radio Biafra by agents of the Nigerian Department of Security Services, as no Biafran would accuse one of their own imprisoned leaders of such treachery.
“USB, IPOB, and Radio Biafra are aware that Charles Soludo, Nigerian governor of Anambra State; Hope Uzodinma, the Nigerian governor of Imo State; Peter Mbah, the governor of Nigerian Enugu State; and hired guns Nyeso Nwike in River State and Asari Dokubo are the ones responsible for violence against Biafrans. Radio Biafra, by maliciously defaming USB and its affiliates, is by extension also attacking Nnamdi Kanu, the original founder of Radio Biafra and the titular leader of all Biafrans.
“The publication in question has caused and continues to cause significant reputational damage, threats to the safety of USB affiliates, and undermines the political and diplomatic efforts of the Biafran liberation movement. The article’s tone, language, and structure evidence a malicious and deliberate attempt to discredit, malign, and incite hatred against individuals and organisations legitimately engaged in political advocacy.
“Accordingly, we hereby demand the following: immediate and full retraction of the article from your website and all affiliated platforms; A public apology, to be published prominently on your homepage and social media channels, clearly retracting the defamatory allegations and correcting the public record; cessation of further defamatory publications or statements regarding Mr. Simon Ekpa, the Biafra Liberation Army, or the United States of Biafra; Written confirmation within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of this letter that you will comply with the above demands.
“Failure to comply within the stated time frame will leave our client with no option but to pursue all legal remedies available, including but not limited to civil proceedings for libel, injunctive relief, and substantial damages in the appropriate jurisdictions against Radio Biafra, Chibuike Nebeokike, Emma Powerful, and agents of the Nigerian Department of Security Services (DSS), who are responsible for these libels and calumnies.
“This letter is written without prejudice to any of our client’s rights or choice of jurisdiction, all of which are expressly reserved,” the letter stated.