The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has distanced itself from Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, a notorious pro-Biafra commander popularly known as Gentle De Yahoo, who was recently captured by Nigerian troops in Imo State.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB denied any affiliation with the suspect, stressing that he had long renounced membership of the group led by Nnamdi Kanu.
“The so-called ‘commander’ paraded by the Nigerian Army, one ‘Gentle’ or whatever his name may be, has publicly denied being a member of IPOB. His videos are everywhere online for all to see. Yet the Nigerian media, in their demonic haste to demonise IPOB and the Igbo people, insist on pasting our noble name on every criminal fabrication,” Powerful said.
He further described reports linking IPOB to the suspect as “satanic propaganda” by security agencies and their “rented media collaborators,” insisting that IPOB remains a peaceful and lawful self-determination movement.
“Let it be clear: IPOB is not and will never be part of Nigeria’s insecurity. We are not kidnappers. We are not criminals. We are not terrorists. Our only ‘crime’ is saying no to slavery, no to colonial injustice, no to the perpetual bondage of our people,” the statement read.
Powerful also warned that IPOB would take legal action against anyone who defames the group.
“We will not fold our arms. Every defamatory publication against IPOB will be dragged to court. The era of slandering IPOB and getting away with it is over,” he warned
