The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a statement urging the Federal Government to stop what it describes as misleading claims regarding its proscription. IPOB asserts that it has not been lawfully declared a terrorist organization under Nigerian or international law.

In a statement released by spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group criticized the 2017 ex parte order obtained by the government, arguing that it lacked due process and did not constitute a valid conviction. IPOB emphasized that the order was issued without prior notice, evidence, or an opportunity for defense, violating Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.

IPOB cautioned against referring to it as a terrorist organization without a valid court ruling, warning that such statements could lead to legal actions for defamation. The group maintains that no competent court has made a final judgment against it, and it continues to challenge the legal basis of the ex parte order in court, including at the Supreme Court.

The statement concluded with a call for the judiciary and government institutions to uphold the Constitution and ensure fair hearings for all parties, reaffirming IPOB’s commitment to peaceful advocacy and legal processes.