Six major reasons why Nnamdi Kanu is on the run

As Operation Python, the miltary action to quell tension in the south eastern state of Abia continues; the embattled leader of Nigeria’s secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr Nnamdi Kanu has disappeared from the public.

Although his followers maintain he’s fearless, his absence and silence is very telling.

These are six reason why he may have gone into hiding:

The Nigerian military declared IPOB as a terrorist organisation:

IPOB members reportedly explained that Mr Kanu and others were told to go into hiding following the military’s classification and the proscription of their activities by Southeastern governors.

IPOB ban by the state governors

The five south-eastern states of Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Enugu and Abia have banned IPOB and all its activities in the region. Police in the Southeast states have started arresting anyone found with Biafra emblems, including flags.

The revocation of Kanu’s Bail:

The federal government has filed a suit before the Abuja Federal High Court seeking the revocation of the bail granted to Mr Kanu, who is standing treason trial along with three other people:

A perceived conspiracy to bring the IPOB leadership down

A renowned Igbo personality, Former Abia State governor Orji Kalu has accused IPOB of challenging the sovereignty of Nigeria, leading the members that there’s a conspiracy going on.

Arrest of IPOB members:

Police in Abia state have arrested 37 IPOB members for various crimes – The police also alleged that soldiers recovered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and petrol bombs from the house of the leader of Nnamdi Kanu

Attack on Police station:

An officer was said to have lost his life after IPOB members attack a police station The police in Abia state have highlighted some of the crimes alleged to have been committed by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) during the recent riots that took place in the state. The police claimed that soldiers recovered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and petrol bombs from the house of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB. Commissioner of Police for Abia, Mr. Anthony Ogbizi disclosed this while briefing the visiting Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Operations, Force Headquarters, Taiwo Lakanu, in Umuahia.