The Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) has said Nnamdi Kanu cannot legitimately negotiate the future of Biafra while in detention, warning that any agreement reached under such conditions would be rejected.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement on Monday, BRGIE Prime Minister, Ogechukwu Nkere, said the group would not recognise the outcome of any engagement between Kanu and the federal government conducted outside its framework or without the involvement of the United States government.
Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in custody since June 2021 following his re-arrest and return to Nigeria from Kenya in an operation his supporters described as an “extraordinary rendition.”
He was subsequently re-arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges linked to his activities with IPOB. On November 20, 2025, the court convicted him on multiple counts and sentenced him to life imprisonment, citing findings that his broadcasts and directives incited violence in parts of the south-east.
Nkere argued that Kanu’s detention undermines his independence and capacity to negotiate on behalf of Biafrans.
“Free Biafrans cannot take orders from someone in prison,” he said, citing concerns over legitimacy and security.
While reaffirming support for Kanu’s release, the BRGIE leader maintained that any deal struck between the federal government and Kanu while he remains in custody would be “null and void.”
He added that even if released, Kanu would be expected to align with BRGIE’s international diplomatic approach rather than engage in unilateral negotiations with Nigerian authorities.
According to Nkere, the Biafra agitation has evolved beyond a domestic issue and now attracts international attention, particularly from the United States, which he said should play a mediating role alongside BRGIE.
“We have advocated for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release to the US government. However, even once Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is released, it will not be accepted by the parties involved if Mazi Nnamdi Kanu attempts to unilaterally ‘negotiate’ Biafra matters with the federal government of Nigeria,” he said.
“Rather, once released, BRGIE will invite Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the United States, and we will privately brief Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in person and arrange for him to be briefed by US officials as well, who will explain to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu the realities of the situation and the role in which we envision for him.
“We advise Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and those who are a part of his team, about the importance and benefit of him working in concert with BRGIE.”
The group also warned against parallel negotiations, saying it would resist any attempt to engage other pro-Biafra actors without its participation and that of the United States.
