The British high Commission in Nigeria has clarified that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is not a proscribed organisation in the UK.
The clarification became necessary as multiple media reports claimed that the UK barred IPOB, the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and other Pro-Biafran groups have been placed on the country’s terror list.
However, POLITICS NIGERIA learned that it was only IPOB/MASSOB members involved in violence that will be denied asylum.
“We are aware of inaccurate reporting circulating in the media and online that the UK Government has added the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to the UK’s list of terrorist groups or organisations banned under UK law.”
“These reports are untrue. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is not a proscribed organisation in the UK,” a statement by the British High Commission on Friday evening read.
“The inaccurate reporting relates to the 13 April 2022 publication by the UK Government of a revised Country Policy and Information note (CPIN) on separatist groups in SE Nigeria, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).”
“This CPIN also acknowledges that the Nigerian government has proscribed IPOB as a terrorist organisation, some members of IPOB have reportedly used violence against the state and members of the public, and advises that persons who have committed human rights abuses must not be granted protection.”
