The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) vehemently denies any involvement in the assassination of Ahmed Gulak, a former presidential aide and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Gulak’s murder, which occurred in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Sunday, May 30, 2021, has been erroneously linked to IPOB by some sources. IPOB underscores the fact that their sit-at-home observance in commemoration of the annual May 30th Remembrance Day took place on Monday, May 31, 2021, a day after Gulak’s death. This discrepancy in the timeline, according to IPOB, clearly exonerates them from any involvement in the tragic incident. The group dismisses the allegations as baseless and misleading, stressing that the timing of the sit-at-home order and the date of Gulak’s murder are distinct and irrefutable proof of their non-involvement.
IPOB further addresses the introduction of Gulak’s death certificate during the ongoing trial of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. They assert that the certificate bears no relevance to the charges against Kanu and question its admissibility as evidence. The group criticizes what they perceive as media misrepresentation surrounding the trial, urging media outlets to adhere to the principles of responsible journalism, emphasizing truth, accuracy, and objectivity. They call for a thorough review of court proceedings and transcripts before disseminating information to the public, advocating for transparency and factual reporting to avoid misleading narratives.
The group’s primary focus remains the immediate and unconditional release of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whom they contend is being unlawfully detained in violation of both local and international law. They maintain that Kanu’s detention is unjust and constitutes a breach of his fundamental rights. IPOB consistently calls for his release, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to his freedom and the pursuit of justice.
Despite IPOB’s denial, the Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted Gulak’s medical report and death certificate as evidence in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, who faces terrorism-related charges. Justice James Omotoso, presiding over the proceedings, allowed the documents, presented by the prosecution through a witness identified as BBB, to be entered into evidence after the defence team raised no objections. The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), submitted the documents, including a police report from Owerri, which purportedly links Gulak’s death to gunmen suspected of being IPOB members.
This admission of the death certificate and medical report as evidence presents a significant development in the trial, potentially influencing the proceedings against Kanu. While IPOB maintains its stance of non-involvement and insists on the irrelevance of the documents to the charges, the court’s acceptance of the evidence marks a crucial juncture in the legal battle. The prosecution’s strategy appears to be connecting Gulak’s death to Kanu and IPOB, intending to bolster the terrorism-related charges. This strategic move sets the stage for a complex legal confrontation, with IPOB vehemently rejecting any connection to the assassination.
The trial of Nnamdi Kanu continues to be a highly sensitive and closely watched affair, with its ramifications extending beyond the courtroom. The accusations against Kanu and IPOB, coupled with the ongoing struggle for self-determination in the region, contribute to a charged political climate. The admission of Gulak’s death certificate as evidence further complicates the legal battle, adding another layer of complexity to an already fraught situation. The clashing narratives, between IPOB’s denial and the prosecution’s attempt to establish a link to the assassination, highlight the inherent tensions in this ongoing legal and political struggle.
