Ghana Bundles Scores of Biafran Supporters into Custody, Maneuvers to Extradite them to Nigeria for Prosecution

Nigerian separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is championing a break away from the most populous nation on the black continent through his Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement is facing more backlash ahead of the resumption of his trial in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja.

The trial of the secessionist, who was ‘kidnapped’ and brought back to Nigeria through an Interpol operation in Kenya in July resumes on October 21, but some of his foot soldiers outside Nigeria are currently in trouble. 

Reports from Accra indicate that the Ghanian government has arrested some members of IPOB in its territory. They were reportedly nabbed in Accra as they gathered to hold one a monthly meeting. The meeting was being held at a place known as Mallam Junction in Accra where the Ghanian police swooped in on them, rounding up an undisclosed number of Biafrans.

There are strong indications that with the cordial relationship between the governments of Muhammadu Buhari in Nigeria and Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, the IPOB members in Ghana’s custody could be extradited to Nigeria for prosecution alongside their leader.

However, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimafor told the press that he had initiated a process to secure the release of the IPOB members arrested in Ghana.

In a tweet on Monday on his Official Tweeter handle @AloyEjimakor, the lawyer revealed that he had sent some documents that will aid the release of the separatists in Ghana.

“Update on #IPOB Ghana: A few days ago, I sent to the DOS (via @ChinasaNworu) certain legal documents critical to the defense of the faithful currently distressed in Ghana. The goal is to quickly secure their freedom and prevent their “rendition to injustices” in Nigeria,” he tweeted.

Timescape Magazine reports that lawyer Ejimafor’s tweet has since generated reactions from across the world from people of Biafra descent, applauding the effort of the lawyer in furthering the cause of the agitation to have a Biafran nation out of Nigeria.

“May Chukwu Okike Abiama, the highest and most faithful continue to guide, protect & strengthen you Barrister; Our ancestors will be very proud of you, we are very proud & thankful to you for your efforts; Biafrans are with you and by your side, Soldier on with God on your side,” IPOB Liverpool Central tweeted.

Ojukwu Kanu said while reacting to the latest development that “Our legendary Barrister, we are with you! Keep doing this. Don’t always let it be a secret. Update us openly here so that we know who’s not doing their own part of the task. It’ll help us to know who to hold responsible if anything goes wrong? Thank you, Sir!”

Michael Lona, another IPOB supporter wrote: “That Ghanaian president is a tyrant; I have seen it. This is the reason why Africa is not moving forward; their leaders are united in supporting each other in their evils”.

Mazi Ositadimma Okoro commended the lawyer and urged him to expedite action so that the IPOB member won’t be deported to Nigeria to face charges.

“Thanks for your efforts. Am also pleading for you all to make it as fast as possible to see that they are released in No distant-time Because we don’t even know the game Fulani government of Nigeria may have with the government of Ghana,” Okoro tweeted.

Timescape Magazine has reached out to the Ghanaian Ministry of Communication for a reaction.