Between Kanu’s Family Influence, IPOB Structure, and the Directorate of State (DOS):

The Costly Double Standards Undermining the Struggle

From a distance, a friend once called my attention—mockingly. He exclaimed, “IPOB don fall kpatakpata!” His reaction was prompted by a trending fake press release announcing a February 2 sit-at-home order, which was swiftly followed by an official disclaimer from the IPOB Directorate of State (DOS). That disclaimer went further to abolish the office of IPOB Publicity Secretary and disassociate the pseudonym Emma Powerful from any future IPOB communications. What complicated the situation was the counter-reaction from Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s siblings, openly opposing the DOS position.

I laughed 😂—but not without responding honestly to the narrative.

I explained to him that although I am not part of IPOB’s apex leadership, my experience and media intelligence as an IPOB media personnel place me in a position to speak with clarity: IPOB remains intact, unified, and functional—without factionalism. The Nigerian government understands this reality clearly, and that fact alone remains its greatest concern.

Since the extraordinary rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya 🇰🇪 to Nigeria, IPOB—under the leadership structure he himself established, the Directorate of State (DOS), headed by Mazi Chikadibia Edoziem—has been engaged in a sustained international diplomatic and legal campaign against the Nigerian state. This campaign is anchored on verifiable facts, grounded in international best practices on self-determination, and focused on:

The unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

Exposing and amplifying the ongoing Christian genocide perpetrated by Islamic terrorist groups allegedly sponsored by Northern political interests

The evidence of this diplomatic warfare is undeniable: Nigeria is on the defensive and steadily losing ground.

During the Buhari administration, the then Minister of Information openly requested a $500 million USD budget from the National Assembly solely to counter IPOB’s global media narrative. The Nigerian military also recruited bloggers with as few as 10,000 followers to combat what it termed “IPOB fake news”—news that has since been corroborated by international reports.

Nigeria has spent over $1 billion USD attempting to suppress the Biafra self-determination advocacy on the global stage. The BBC documentary targeting IPOB was just one of many coordinated media attacks. Furthermore, Nigeria was designated a Country of Particular Concern by the United States 🇺🇸 under President Donald Trump, due to persistent Christian persecution. Nigerian media later alleged—correctly—that IPOB media activities significantly amplified global awareness of this genocide, a fact supported by social media algorithms and engagement data.

Most recently, Nigeria reportedly paid $9 million USD to U.S. lobbying firms to alter the already-established narrative of Christian genocide—a narrative recognized by international bodies and U.S. congressmen who visited Nigeria. All of this confirms one truth:

Nigeria’s primary headache is the indestructibility of IPOB’s structure, with the DOS firmly holding the mantle of leadership.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the Authority of the DOS

I further clarified to my friend that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu himself, despite being unlawfully detained—first in DSS custody and now in Sokoto Prison under a life sentence—has consistently affirmed that the Directorate of State (DOS) remains the only legitimate leadership body of IPOB. This position existed before his abduction, remained valid during his detention, and—by his own words—will continue until Biafra is restored, by God’s grace.

A Necessary but Difficult Truth: Kanu’s Human Weakness

Like every human being, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has strengths—and weaknesses. IPOB as a movement has rightly chosen to emphasize his courage, transparency, and boldness in speaking truth to power. Anyone who meets him personally is struck by his humility and sincerity, which naturally inspires trust.

However, it would be dishonest to pretend that weaknesses do not exist.

In reality, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—like many African leaders—is naturally ego-driven and power-conscious. His desire for control has unfortunately become one of his greatest personal challenges. As the leader of the largest self-determination movement in Africa, with global reach and influence, this status gradually elevated him into a near–demigod position—fueling an impulse to control every group in Igboland, even when such control contradicts IPOB’s core policies.

This is where double standards emerge.

The strength and influence IPOB enjoys today were built through blood sacrifices, years of suffering, loss of comfort, wealth, and relentless dedication by ordinary members, all united under one clear vision and mission. When a figurehead begins to drag IPOB into alliances with groups whose visions fundamentally conflict with IPOB’s objectives, clashes of interest become inevitable—and the struggle risks derailment.

This is precisely why the IPOB leadership has deliberately distanced Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s siblings from representing IPOB in any official capacity. They are not members of IPOB leadership, and their conduct has consistently contradicted IPOB’s principles and policies.

Alarmingly, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s siblings have aligned themselves with groups that openly reject the authority of the DOS, a position that conveniently aligns with the Nigerian government’s long-standing strategy to collapse IPOB from within.

As a leader, the time has come for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to withdraw tacit approval or silence toward the activities of his siblings. Their agenda—whether intentional or not—has proven destructive to IPOB’s structure.

The continued promotion of violent sit-at-home orders and criminal activities by these allied groups has significantly contributed to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s prolonged detention. These crimes are systematically linked to his name by the Nigerian government and weaponized as tools of blackmail and propaganda in its failing diplomatic battle against IPOB.

Conclusion

The truth must be spoken plainly:

If the Directorate of State (DOS) does not act decisively—and if Mazi Nnamdi Kanu does not rein in influences that undermine IPOB’s structure—his freedom will remain delayed, and the collective struggle risks unnecessary derailment.

IPOB is winning globally. The greatest danger now is not Nigeria—but internal contradictions.

If you want, I can:

Reframe this for international human rights advocacy

Shorten it into a media op-ed

Adapt it for legal or diplomatic audiences

Or neutralize the tone slightly for broader public circulation

Just tell me the target audience.

Mazi Anyi Kings February 5, 2026