Nigerian Government Owes Nnamdi Kanu N9.5bn in Unpaid Court Damages

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) says the Nigerian government owes its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a total of ₦9.5 billion in damages from several court judgments that have never been appealed.

The group cites three major rulings: a January 2022 Abia State High Court decision that awarded ₦1 billion after finding Kanu did not jump bail; an October 2022 Federal High Court judgment that granted ₦500 million describing his detention as unlawful extraordinary rendition; and an October 2023 Enugu State High Court order that awarded ₦8 billion, declaring the 2017 proscription of IPOB unconstitutional. IPOB adds that a June 2025 Kenya High Court decision also condemned his alleged abduction and rendition.

IPOB alleges the Federal Republic of Nigeria, its security agencies, the army and the South‑East governors’ forum have ignored the court orders, refusing to pay the compensation or issue the mandated apologies. The statement was issued by IPOB’s Directorate of State and signed by spokesperson Emma Powerful, referencing the legal work of special counsel Aloy Ejimakor and favorable findings from African Union and United Nations bodies.