The Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) has declared that detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, cannot legitimately negotiate on the future of Biafra while in custody, warning that any agreement reached under such circumstances would be rejected.
BRGIE Prime Minister, Ogechukwu Nkere, in a statement on Monday, said the group would not recognise outcomes of any engagement between the Federal Government and Kanu conducted outside its framework or without the involvement of the United States Government.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in custody since June 2021, after he was re-arrested and brought back to Nigeria from Kenya in a controversial operation described by his lawyers and supporters as an “extraordinary rendition.”
He was subsequently re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges linked to his leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
After a prolonged trial spanning several years, the court on November 20, 2025, convicted him on multiple counts and sentenced him to life imprisonment for terrorism-related offences, following findings that his broadcasts and directives allegedly incited violence in parts of southeastern Nigeria.
Nkere argued that Kanu’s detention strips him of the independence required to negotiate on behalf of Biafrans, stressing that “free Biafrans cannot take orders from someone in prison,” citing concerns over legitimacy and security.
While reiterating support for Kanu’s release, the BRGIE leader maintained that any attempt by the Federal Government to strike a deal with him in detention 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 talks with Nigerian authorities.
According to Nkere, the Biafra agitation has progressed beyond a domestic matter, claiming it now attracts international attention, particularly from the United States.
He insisted that any lasting resolution must involve Washington as a mediator alongside BRGIE.
Nkere said: “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.
“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, vowing to resist any attempt to engage other pro-Biafra actors without its participation and that of the US.
