The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, says transferring the pro-Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to a prison in Sokoto State jeopardises his safety and could frustrate his right of appeal.
The spokesman of IPOB, Emma Powerful, in a statement on Sunday, described the sentence and transfer as malicious.
Powerful alleged that they form part of a sustained campaign against Kanu and the Biafra self-determination movement.
The group called on the Federal Government to guarantee Kanu’s safety and to ensure that his legal rights including the ability to pursue appeals are not impeded.
It also expressed concern about security challenges in parts of north-west Nigeria and said moving Kanu to a Sokoto facility raises risks to his wellbeing.
IPOB called on the international community to take note and demanded that the government respect constitutional principles such as the Federal Character principle.
“We are a peaceful, peaceful and disciplined movement. The only way to defuse tensions would be for the government to allow Biafrans to exercise self-determination through a United Nations-supervised referendum.
“Nigerians and the international community should ensure that no harm befalls Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. They should also monitor that his right of appeal is protected,” the group said.