Ralph Uwazuruike, founder of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), has alleged that detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu continues to influence and recruit young Igbo men for violent activities despite being in custody.
According to Daily Post on Friday, June 27, 2026, Uwazuruike made the claims in a video circulated on YouTube, expressing concern over the loss of lives and economic disruption caused by insecurity in the South-East.
“I have always maintained my opposition to violence. Anyone who knows me understands that my struggle has never been about taking up arms,” he said.
Uwazuruike urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other prominent Igbo leaders to engage Kanu and encourage peaceful dialogue. He also called for rehabilitation and amnesty programmes for former IPOB members willing to renounce violence, arguing that reconciliation would be more effective than continued conflict.
His remarks followed the circulation of unverified social media videos showing masked individuals claiming allegiance to IPOB and threatening renewed violence unless Kanu is released. Reports also indicated that Kanu recently announced changes to IPOB’s leadership structure, including the dissolution of some members of its Directorate of State and the creation of a “100-man project,” although its objectives have not been officially clarified.
