The family of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has raised the alarm over what it described as the impersonation of the pro-Biafra agitator on social media by agents of the Nigerian government.
A statement released on Thursday by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, on behalf of the Okwu-Kanu family, said several accounts have been opened in Nnamdi Kanu’s name especially on Facebook and Instagram, seeking engagement with members of the public.
The family warned that the fake accounts are being used to spread disinformation to damage the reputation of Kanu and IPOB, and also target his supporters for possible victimization.
Stressing that Kanu does not have any social media account since his incarceration, the statement read, “The family of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), hereby issues this urgent public safety warning to the general public.
“It has come to our attention that fraudulent social media accounts, particularly on Facebook and Instagram, are impersonating Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. These fake pages — often using official-looking logos, claiming locations such as Nairobi or Sokoto, and posting misleading updates — are not associated with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB, or the Kanu family in any way.
“Since his illegal rendition and detention in June 2021, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has had no active or verified online presence on any social media platform. He does not operate Facebook pages, Instagram accounts, or any other profiles posting personal messages, location updates, or soliciting engagement.
“These impostor pages are part of a sustained deceptive operation, believed to be orchestrated by Nigerian security agencies and their collaborators. Their objectives include: harvesting your personal information, contacts, and data from unsuspecting followers and likers.
“Spreading disinformation to damage the reputation of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB. Provoking or monitoring genuine supporters for potential harassment, surveillance, and arrest.”
Warning against any interaction with the said social media accounts, the statement added, “We strongly advise the public as follows: Do not follow, like, comment on, share, or engage with any such fake pages.
“Immediately unlike and unfollow any suspicious account claiming to represent Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“Report these fraudulent pages to the platforms as impersonation/scam accounts. Rely solely on verified IPOB channels, primarily through official handles and trusted media affiliates such as Radio Biafra.”
According to the family, anyone who choses to interact with the fake pages does so at their own risk.
“Exposure of personal details could lead to severe consequences in the current climate of repression against the Biafran struggle.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains committed to the peaceful, non-violent pursuit of self-determination for Biafrans. We will continue to expose these dirty tactics and call for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement added.