IPOB Turns Against Abaribe, Accuses Him of Aiding Unnecessary Court Adjournments

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) may have turned against Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, one of those who stood surety for the release of its leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu in 2017.

Abaribe who had earlier enjoyed the support of the secessionist group, for his earlier gesture has been accused of aiding the federal government in the delay of matters concerning the group, which has kept its members in prison illegally.

IPOB in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emma Powerful, yesterday said the senator may have succumbed to intimidation from the federal government as his lawyer has written and called for the adjournment of its matter against the federal government.

The group said, “We note with sadness the attempt by the attorney representing Senator Abaribe, one of the sureties for our leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in the ongoing case with Federal Government of Nigeria, to further delay the release of Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi, Bright Chimezie Ishinwa, Chidiebere Onwudiwe and others who are due in court today (Tuesday).

“By applying to seek yet another adjournment on this matter, it is clear to us that the blackmail machinery of DSS and presidency is fully at work. We have no doubt that this adjournment was instigated by the Federal Government of Nigeria as another way to delay and deny justice to those who have now spent more time in jail than those convicted of similar offenses.”

IPOB said that it gathered yesterday that Abaribe’s lawyer has written to the court asking for an adjournment when its matter at the Federal High Court, Abuja came up before Justice Binta Nyako.

It said the federal government had succeeded in pressuring Abaribe to ask for adjournment of the ongoing case of treasonable felony between Kanu and 3 others, who have so far spent more time in prison than those convicted of similar offences.

“DSS and the presidency know they have no choice than to release David Nwawuisi, Benjamin Madubugwu and Bright Chimezie Ishinwa, so they decided to blackmail and intimidate Abaribe into getting his lawyer to write to the court seeking yet another adjournment.

“This level of wickedness is unheard of anywhere in the world.”

The group said it is yet to fully ascertain if Senator Abaribe is now working closely with the president general of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who it accused of undermining it.