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| All IPOB coordinators worldwide were instructed to contact the group's headquarters in Germany, according to Emma Powerful. |
ABUJA, Nigeria — Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples' Movement of Biafra (IPOB), dissolved the group's third Directorate of State (DOS) and appointed Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, from the United States, to head a new fourth administration.
A statement issued on June 16, 2026, by the separatist group's spokesperson, Emma Powerful, revealed that Kanu cited the outgoing leadership's lack of adequate support for detained Biafran members, internal divisions, and a lack of focus on core objectives as reasons for the leadership change.
The Directorate of State serves as the main administrative body of the IPOB, a separatist movement advocating for Biafran independence in southeastern Nigeria. Chika Edoziem had led the third administration since 2017, which was dissolved.
Kanu also announced the creation of an Elders Advisory Council and ordered the reinstatement of previously suspended or expelled members. All IPOB coordinators worldwide were instructed to contact the group's headquarters in Germany, according to Emma Powerful.
The new administration is expected to prioritize prisoner welfare, unity, and strategic communication as the movement seeks to advance its campaign for self-determination.