By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom, (UK) to end the trial of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as charade masquerading as a trial.

The group in a statement by its media and publicity secretary, Emma Powerful said that the persecution of Kanu and IPOB, has led to the loss of countless lives, including his parents.

IPOB stressed that it does not seek to humiliate any party but to affirm that IPOB?s mission is rooted in the pursuit of dignity, freedom, and a better life for Biafrans, the black race, and Africa as a whole.

The statement partly reads: "The absence of any incriminating evidence today underscores what we have always maintained: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not a terrorist but a noble advocate for the oppressed.

"We urge all stakeholders to recognize this truth and work towards a just resolution. Let us build a future where the aspirations of all peoples are respected, and the dignity of existence is upheld for everyone.

"We wish to address the global community following the court proceedings today at the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Omotosho, in the trial of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

"Today, the prosecution presented what they claimed to be "incriminating evidence" against Mazi Kanu, a British citizen and the leader of IPOB, to justify their long-standing persecution of him and the proscription of our movement.

"To the shock and dismay of all present, including international observers, the so-called evidence consisted of four boxes containing Mazi Kanu?s personal belongings: wristwatches, a microphone, a DJ mixer (falsely labeled a transmitter), cables, Arabian perfumes purchased for his mother and mother-in-law, a brown shoe, laptops, chargers, and phones.

"No bombs, guns, grenades, or attack plans were found?because none exist.

"This revelation lays bare the truth: there is no evidence to support the grave accusations leveled against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

According to IPOB, the items presented in court Tuesday, are not weapons of terrorism but ordinary possessions of a man who has consistently and openly declared his mission as a freedom fighter dedicated to the liberation of his people through peaceful means, including a referendum.

It noted that since his arrest in October 2015, Kanu have boldly and unapologetically stated his God-given purpose, which is to alleviate the suffering of the Igbo race and other ethnic groups in Biafraland.

The group added, "Kanu's resolve was reiterated even under duress, as evidenced in the interrogation videos. We urge the Nigerian government to release it for public scrutiny.

"We commend the presence of representatives from the United Kingdom government in court today, witnessing firsthand the baseless nature of the charges against their citizen. We also express our profound gratitude to Mazi Kanu?s new defense team, fortified with some of the finest legal minds, for their unwavering commitment to truth and justice.

?With the utmost humility.?

Update news