Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has indefinitely expelled former Directorate of State (DoS) leader Chika Edoziem and nine other members of the dissolved third administration of the group’s DoS. The announcement, made on Sunday, June 21, 2026, cited alleged violations of the organisation’s code of conduct as the reason for the disciplinary action.
Expulsion Details and Affected Individuals
The statement, dated June 21 and signed by Kanu from Kuje prison where he is serving a life sentence on treason-related charges, named the expelled individuals as: 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. According to the statement, these individuals “are hereby expelled from IPOB indefinitely” and “no longer represent, speak for, or act in any capacity on behalf of the Indigenous People of Biafra.”
Background of the Third Administration
Kanu noted that he appointed the third administration of the Directorate of State from Kuje Correctional Centre in March 2017, with an original six-month tenure that expired on September 16, 2017. However, members remained in office at his discretion. He clarified that while the dissolution of the administration was an administrative decision, the expulsions were disciplinary measures resulting from repeated breaches 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,” Kanu said.
Kanu emphasised that the authority to appoint, suspend, remove or expel officers rests solely with the office of the Supreme Leader.
Allegations of Misconduct
The statement accused the expelled members of several acts of misconduct, including allegedly abandoning Kanu during his detention by failing to provide adequate legal, welfare and medical support. It also claimed they ignored his directive for groups such as AVID, Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination to raise funds for his medical treatment while he was in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Other allegations include undermining his legal team, attacking his lawyers, making allegations against members of his family, spreading false claims about the circumstances surrounding his continued prosecution after the Court of Appeal judgment of October 13, 2022, and disregarding his directives. The statement further accused the expelled officials of claiming that President Bola Tinubu would not release him unless he abandoned the Biafra agitation, circulating fabricated stories that two African countries advised them to abandon him, removing officers he had appointed without authorisation, altering the IPOB oath of office, and engaging in activities aimed at weakening the organisation.
Warnings and Directives
Kanu warned that “Any person, group or entity that deals with, associates with, hosts, platforms or speaks on behalf of any of the above-named expelled individuals shall be regarded as acting against the interests of IPOB and Biafra.” He directed IPOB members and supporters worldwide to support the fourth administration of the Directorate of State led by Chris Nwaogu, stating that the movement “remains resolute, focused and united” under his leadership.
