NEWS
IPOB Claims Members Died in Custody, Announces Major Leadership Overhaul
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has alleged that some of its members died while in detention, as the group announced a major restructuring of its leadership and pledged to prioritise the welfare and release of detained members.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday from Langerfeld, Germany, and signed in the name of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The statement, made available through the group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, also confirmed the dissolution of the third administration of IPOB’s Directorate of State (DOS) and the inauguration of a new leadership team.
SEE MORE: “We Close Our Case”— FG Ends Terrorism Trial Against IPOB’s Kanu
According to the group, the decision followed a review of the outgoing administration’s performance, particularly its handling of issues concerning members being held in detention facilities across Nigeria.
IPOB expressed concern over what it described as the prolonged detention of hundreds of its members, especially those allegedly being held without trial at Wawa Military Barracks in Niger State.
“The most grievous failure of the outgoing administration was its inability to prioritise the welfare and liberation of hundreds of Biafrans detained across various detention facilities, particularly those held for years without trial at Wawa Military Barracks in Niger State,” the statement read.
The group further alleged that many detainees had suffered severe hardship, while some reportedly died in custody.
“No movement that claims to stand for justice can neglect those who paid the highest price for their commitment. The abandonment of detained Biafrans represents a profound dereliction of the duty of care owed to every member of the IPOB family,” the statement added.
IPOB also accused the dissolved leadership of focusing on internal disputes and factional disagreements rather than prioritising diplomacy, legal advocacy, prisoner welfare and strategic planning.
As part of the restructuring, US-based Chris Nwaọgụ was named head of the fourth administration of the Directorate of State and is expected to oversee the administration and day-to-day affairs of the movement under Kanu’s authority.
Other appointments announced by the group include Solomon Egbo as Deputy Head, Nnennaya Anya as Head of Finance and Budget Planning, Chigozie Okekenta as Coordinator of Coordinators, Chukwudi Nwogwugwu as Head of Medical and Welfare Planning, and Ikechukwu Onuoha as Head of Media.
The organisation also unveiled an Elders Advisory Council, which it said would provide strategic guidance and institutional support to both Kanu and the newly appointed leadership team.
In addition, IPOB disclosed that officers previously appointed by Kanu had been restored to their positions pending administrative review, while previous suspensions and expulsions had been set aside.
The group urged its members and supporters around the world to remain disciplined and cooperate with the new administration as it seeks to reposition the movement and strengthen internal unity.
Founded in 2012 by Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB advocates for the restoration of an independent Biafra state in Nigeria’s South-East region.
While the group insists its agitation is peaceful and based on self-determination, the Federal Government has repeatedly accused it of involvement in violent activities and secured a court order proscribing it as a terrorist organisation in 2017.
IPOB continues to reject the allegations and challenge the proscription.
Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has reportedly died, according to sources said to be close to his family.
The sources confirmed the development on Monday, October 19, 2026, although details surrounding the circumstances of his death remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
“Uduaghan is no more; he is dead,” one of the sources reportedly said.
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The reported death comes months after claims that the former governor had died circulated on social media before being dismissed by his media aide, Henry Unini.
In June, reports of Uduaghan’s alleged death spread across Facebook and WhatsApp, prompting Unini to publicly debunk the claims and assure the public that the former governor was alive.
“I can tell you for a fact that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is alive,” Unini said at the time.
“Frankly, I don’t know where the writer got his information from. The death of someone is not something you take and write about casually,” he added.
Unini acknowledged at the time that Uduaghan had been experiencing health challenges but maintained that he was receiving medical attention.
“It is now common knowledge that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has been sick, but he is receiving proper medical care,” the media aide said.
He also stated that the former governor was recuperating, assuring the public that there was no immediate cause for concern.
“There is no cause for alarm whatsoever,” Unini said.
The media aide thanked friends, well-wishers and residents of Delta State who contacted the family to verify the former governor’s condition. He also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
“The rumour was uncalled for,” he said while addressing the earlier reports.
As of the time of filing this report, further details about the circumstances surrounding Uduaghan’s reported death had yet to emerge.
The Delta State Government has commenced a ₦5 billion grassroots empowerment programme targeting 100,000 small-scale business owners and other beneficiaries across the state’s 500 wards.
The initiative, announced on Monday, will see each beneficiary receive ₦50,000 to support small businesses, strengthen household finances and stimulate economic activities across the state.
SEE ALSO: Two Arrested as Delta Police Uncover Cache of Illegal Weapons
The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Asaba.
Ifeajika explained that the programme was designed to complement the state government’s investments in critical infrastructure with direct financial assistance to residents.
According to him, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori directed local government councillors to facilitate the distribution of the funds, with each of the 500 wards expected to reach at least 200 beneficiaries.
He added that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities for Deltans, in line with the people-centred objectives of the MORE Agenda.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for plans to acquire Initial Public Offering (IPO) shares of Dangote Refinery on behalf of eligible Nigerian tertiary institution students.
Alausa described the initiative as an innovative approach to promoting financial literacy, youth empowerment and wealth creation among young Nigerians.
According to a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday, October 19, 2026, the initiative is expected to benefit up to four million students aged 18 and above, with each eligible student expected to receive 10 IPO shares without requiring prior investment or share purchase.
The minister said the programme would expose students to capital markets, responsible investing and long-term financial planning, preparing them for greater economic participation and financial independence.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by connecting education with enterprise, human capital development and inclusive economic growth.
According to Alausa, the initiative reflects the importance of partnerships between the education sector and private organisations in equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the economy.
He said the Federal Ministry of Education remained committed to strengthening private-sector partnerships to improve educational quality, relevance, equity and efficiency while preparing learners for a changing economy.
While appreciating the foundation’s contribution to youth development, the minister clarified that the ministry’s commendation was based on the initiative’s educational and developmental value.
He stressed that the ministry’s position “does not constitute an endorsement of any particular investment decision.”
Alausa also encouraged other corporate organisations to support similar initiatives that promote financial awareness, economic productivity and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
He urged businesses to support NESRI and the Renewed Hope Agenda in building a financially informed and economically productive generation.
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