Canada, Which Denied You Visa, Recognises IPOB – Biafran Group Slams Defence Chief Chris Musa

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has launched a scathing attack on Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, accusing him of intimidating Biafrans and attempting to suppress their rights to free speech and self-determination through social media. In a statement released on April 25, 2025, and signed by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB noted that even Canada, which recently denied Musa a visa, recognises the IPOB family.

IPOB condemned General Musa’s warning to Southeasterners against promoting the group’s activities online, describing his comments as reckless, provocative, and a desperate attempt to silence the growing Biafran consciousness. The group asserted that it would not be intimidated or silenced, reaffirming its commitment to the pursuit of self-determination.

The statement sharply criticised the Nigerian Army’s human rights record, describing it as an institution “soaked in the blood of innocent Igbo youths.” IPOB cited historical and recent incidents, including the 1966 pogroms, the killings at Nkpor in 2016, the shootings at National High School, Aba, and the invasion of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s residence during Operation Python Dance, as evidence of the military’s brutal campaigns against Biafrans.

IPOB questioned the moral authority of the Nigerian Army to lecture Biafrans, reminding Musa of the widespread condemnation by international organisations like Amnesty International and UN Special Rapporteurs. The group also criticised Southeastern traditional rulers who hosted Musa, accusing them of betrayal and cowardice for granting him audience.

Defending its use of social media, IPOB pointed to its activism as instrumental in halting controversial government projects like the Fulani RUGA settlement scheme and the Waterways Bill. The group argued that its efforts have protected indigenous communities across Nigeria, including Musa’s own people, and accused him of ignorance and ingratitude.

IPOB dismissed Musa’s claim that the group is unlawful, pointing out that, apart from Nigeria, no other nation has proscribed IPOB, and highlighting Canada’s acceptance of IPOB activities despite Musa’s visa denial. The group asserted that IPOB stands as a bulwark against the subjugation of indigenous peoples and criticised the Nigerian government’s proscription as a political tool rather than a legal one.

Calling for intensified social media activism, IPOB urged all Biafrans to continue spreading the message of self-determination. It stressed that the Nigerian Army’s history of violence only strengthens their resolve for freedom. Finally, IPOB warned traditional rulers and the Nigerian military that Biafrans will hold them accountable for their actions, vowing that no force on earth would stop the rise of Biafra.