Nnamdi Kanu says he will come to Nigeria for the funeral of his parents next month

INDIGENOUS People of Biafra (Ipob) leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has thrown down a challenge to the Nigerian government threatening them to arrest him saying that he will attend the funeral of his parents in Abia State on February 14.

Currently on self-imposed exile after jumping bail and fleeing from Nigeria in November 2017, Mazi Kanu is facing several charges including treason and faced a lengthy jail term if he ever sets foot in Nigeria. However, over the recent months, the Ipob leader has lost both of his parents and he has vowed to return to Nigeria to bury them next month.

His mother Sally, died on August 30 in Germany after doctors were unable to cure her of a protracted illness, while his father Eze Israel Kanu, passed on at the age of 86 in December. His father was a traditional ruler in Abia State, so will have to be given a grand funeral and Mazi Kanu has vowed to attend.

Ipob spokesman Emma Powerful, said: “We are not going to disclose our security arrangements because they are much enemies who wish to destroy or destabilise every effort made for the successful burial of these father and mother of our leader. Ipob is on ground and nothing will change our resolve to protect the environment.”

Last year, Abia State police commissioner Ene Okon vowed to arrest Mazi Kanu whenever he ever returns and hand him over to the courts to face trial for jumping bail and other charges he faces. Mr Okon also rubbished Mr Kanu’s style of struggle for secession, stressing that the Ipob leader was carrying out hard, subversive tendencies.