The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) says reports that its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, would return to Nigeria for his parents’ burial is mere speculation.
Kanu fled the country in 2017 after the Nigerian Army stormed his father’s home in Isiama Afara Ukwu in Abia State. He was released on bail by Justice Binta Nyako, before whose court he was being tried for treasonable felony at the time.
His father, Eze Israel Kanu, and his mother, Ugoeze Sally Kanu died within months of each other.
Reports in some quarters said that the IPOB leader would be attending their burial ceremony scheduled for February.
But the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said in a statement that IPOB did not release such information as claimed.
He said, “IPOB leadership will not be disclosing any information and have not disclosed any information regarding the likely attendance or non-attendance of our leader at this event.
“However, arrangements are being put in place to ensure the ceremony is held in a secure and safe atmosphere.
“The movement and anticipated presence of our leader in his home during this period has yet to be finalised and as such, no confirmation or otherwise will be issued to that effect.
“IPOB High Command will determine under what circumstance any announcement will be made in the future.”