Lawyer Faults Amnesty Report Linking Imo Killings To IPOB

A human rights attorney representing the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has criticised the Amnesty International report concerning the killings in Okigwe, labelling it “hasty and full of inconsistencies,” and urging for an in-depth, unbiased, and evidence-backed inquiry.

Recently, unidentified gunmen allegedly attacked and killed some travellers along Okigwe Road in Imo State.

The incident has sparked diverse reactions, with many advocating for a comprehensive investigation to identify those behind the attack.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ejiofor expressed concerns about the immediate connection made between the killings and IPOB, noting that such conclusions—drawn without thorough fact-checking—raise doubts about the credibility and impartiality of Amnesty International’s findings.

He argued that this method falls short of the high standards typically expected from an internationally respected human rights body.

While condemning the brutal murder of innocent civilians by unknown “heartless” individuals, he urged Nigerian law enforcement agencies to carry out a detailed and prompt probe into the killings and bring those responsible to justice in line with the law.

The statement read, “In light of the recent hasty statement issued by Amnesty International (Nigeria) on the Okigwe killings, it is imperative to underscore the need for a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation.

“The quick attribution of the killings to IPOB, without exhaustive verification, raises serious concerns about the integrity and neutrality of the report.

“It must be unequivocally stated that no individual or authority, regardless of their constitutional powers, is permitted to take another’s life outside the due process enshrined in Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The sanctity of human life must remain inviolable.

“I call on Nigeria’s security agencies to promptly and meticulously investigate these heinous crimes and ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted according to the law.
“The security agencies should stop paying lip service as they often do, and actually conduct a thorough investigation into these dastardly and wanton killings.”

Ejiofor stated that a closer look at Amnesty International Nigeria’s release revealed several flaws and disturbing oversights, including “questionable sources of casualty figures, premature attribution of blame, potential conflict of interest and ongoing threats in the region.”

He further noted, “Amnesty International Nigeria reported specific casualty figures without disclosing any independent verification sources.
“This departs from their well-established protocol, which emphasises independent investigations often taking days or weeks before conclusions are drawn.
“While the police acknowledged the attack, they refrained from confirming exact casualty numbers or the real identity of the attackers. Amnesty’s conclusive link to IPOB, therefore, appears speculative and unsubstantiated.

“Concerns have also been raised about the neutrality of the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, who use to hold a political appointment as Special Assistant to the Governor of Yobe State. This dual role casts a shadow over the objectivity of the organisation’s reporting.

“It is a well-known fact that remnants of armed elements loyal to Simon Ekpa continue to destabilise communities across the South-East. While this remains a security concern demanding urgent state intervention, it should not justify rushed attributions of blame without due diligence,” he added.

He emphasised the need for both national and global actors to push for a reliable, impartial, and evidence-based probe into the Okigwe killings.

He maintained that the killing of innocent people should not be politicised or exaggerated, stressing the importance of justice being served transparently, not only to honour the victims but to uphold the principles of law and democracy.

“Only the truth, firmly established through rigorous investigation, can pave the path to justice and lasting peace,” he said.