How Police Use IPOB Label to Cover Up Unsolved Killings

In the past five years, security agencies in Nigeria’s South-East have repeatedly blamed violent crimes on IPOB and its Eastern Security Network before proper investigations conclude. Interviews with victims’ families, retired officers and rights advocates, and review of police documents reveal a deeper crisis. They point to hurried narratives, political pressure and weak probes that shield powerful interests. The assassination of Labour Party senatorial candidate Oyibo Chukwu days before the 2023 election illustrates this trend. His family says the immediate attribution to IPOB was a deliberate deflection from political motives. Similar unresolved cases—from abductions for ransom to political assassinations—underscore growing public distrust. Experts warn that genuine reform must separate political narratives from criminal evidence and demand transparent, professional investigations.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.