We Were Not Lawfully Banned — IPOB Tells FG

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on the Federal Government to cease spreading what it described as false information regarding its proscription status.

In a statement from its Directorate of Legal Affairs, shared by spokesperson Emma Powerful, IPOB insisted that it has never been lawfully declared a terrorist or proscribed organization under Nigerian or international law.

The group clarified that the 2017 ex-parte order used by the government to label it was not issued following a full trial and does not constitute a legal conviction.

“The ex-parte order was granted without prior notice to IPOB, without presenting any evidence, and without giving the group an opportunity to defend itself.

This violates Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing,” the statement explained.

IPOB warned that labeling it a terrorist organization without a valid court ruling could lead to legal action based on defamation and constitutional rights protections.

Reaffirming its stance, the group stressed that no competent court has issued a final judgement post-trial that officially proscribes it as a terrorist organization. It also confirmed that it is actively challenging the legality of the ex-parte order, including ongoing appeals at the Supreme Court.

Finally, IPOB reiterated its commitment to peaceful advocacy and noted that it continues to pursue legal avenues to protect its name and reputation.