In a recent development, the Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a response to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for their defense of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), questioning whether he is a member of the proscribed terrorist group.
What DSS is saying
The DSS released a concise statement via its official Twitter handle on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Specifically targeting IPOB lawyer Maxwell Okpara, the DSS cautioned Nigerians against the assertions made by the IPOB lawyer, emphasizing that it is not in the interest of Nigeria.
The Statement
The statement reads, “A Biafran Republic agitator and outlawed IPOB counsel defending the suspended CBN Governor. Is IPOB defending one of theirs????
“What a contradiction…hmmm…what’s the connection? Is someone telling us something?
“May Maxwell be properly educated on points of law, please. Charge and bail, overzealous uninformed IPOB/ESN lawyer Maxwell Okpara mobilizes other like-minded lawyers against DGSS.
“Futile efforts. Well, Nigerians, beware! This is in bad faith. Transferred aggression.”
Back story
It is important to note that the DSS had previously accused the embattled CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, of funding “unknown gunmen” and members of IPOB.
Following the suspension of Emefiele by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the effort to arrest him was successful.
Subsequently, on July 15, 2023, the Nigerian government charged the suspended CBN governor with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
About IPOB
IPOB is a separatist organization advocating for the secession of Igbo-dominated states in Southeast Nigeria and parts of neighboring states to form an independent Biafra nation.
The group has been declared a terrorist organization and proscribed by a court since September 2017.
