The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Sunday, announced the indefinite expulsion of former Directorate of State (DoS) Chika Edoziem and nine other members of the dissolved third administration of the group’s Directorate of State over alleged violations of the organisation’s code of conduct.

The announcement was contained in a statement dated June 21, and signed by Kanu, who’s serving a life sentence in Kuje prison on treason-related charges.

Others named in the expulsion list are Tony Nzurumike, Austin Agbanyim, Chukwudi Oforma, Isaiah Ubah, Collins Chinedu, Chinasa Nworu, Fidelis Ejiogu, Chidinma Nworu (also known as Juliet Edward Filatro), and Keke Uda.

According to the statement, the affected individuals “are hereby expelled from IPOB indefinitely” and “no longer represent, speak for, or act in any capacity on behalf of the Indigenous People of Biafra.”

Kanu said he appointed the third administration of the Directorate of State from Kuje Correctional Centre in March 2017, noting that its original six-month tenure expired on September 16, 2017, but members remained in office at his discretion.

He explained that while the dissolution of the administration was an administrative decision, the expulsions were disciplinary measures arising from what he described as repeated breaches of the IPOB Code of Conduct.

He said: “The Indigenous People of Biafra is governed by its Code of Conduct, which remains the supreme governing instrument of the movement. Every officer, coordinator, representative and member is bound by its provisions without exception.”

Kanu maintained that the authority to appoint, suspend, remove or expel officers of the movement rests with the office of the Supreme Leader.

The statement accused the expelled members of several acts of misconduct, including allegedly abandoning him during his detention by failing to provide adequate legal, welfare and medical support.

It also alleged that they ignored his directive for groups including AVID, Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination to raise funds for his medical treatment while he was in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Other allegations contained in the statement include undermining his legal team, attacking his lawyers, making allegations against members of his family, spreading false claims about the circumstances surrounding his continued prosecution after the Court of Appeal judgment of October 13, 2022, and disregarding his directives.

The statement further accused the expelled officials of claiming that President Bola Tinubu would not release him unless he abandoned the Biafra agitation, circulating what it described as fabricated stories that two African countries advised them to abandon him, removing officers he had appointed without authorisation, altering the IPOB oath of office, and engaging in activities allegedly aimed at weakening the organisation.

He added, “Their repeated violations of the IPOB Code of Conduct and refusal to heed repeated warnings have necessitated this disciplinary action.”

Kanu also warned that “Any person, group or entity that deals with, associates with, hosts, platforms or speaks on behalf of any of the above-named expelled individuals shall be regarded as acting against the interests of IPOB and Biafra.”

He directed IPOB members and supporters worldwide to support what he described as the fourth administration of the Directorate of State led by Chris Nwaogu, stating that the movement “remains resolute, focused and united” under his leadership.