The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has strongly criticized Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, over his recent comments linking the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to terrorism, accusing him of spreading hate speech and abusing his office.
In a statement signed by its president, Chief Dr. Sylvester Onyia, and released on Sunday, the group expressed outrage at Ribadu’s assertion that IPOB was behind attacks on police stations and correctional centers across the country.
AVID, a coalition of Igbo descendants who have served in the U.S. military, described Ribadu’s remarks as “reckless, subjudice, and a disgrace to the sanctity of judicial process.”
The group argued that making such sweeping declarations in the media while IPOB’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is still on trial amounts to “a direct interference with judicial independence,” something that, in their words, would warrant judicial sanctions in any civilized nation.
AVID further questioned Ribadu’s moral authority to label IPOB as terrorists, pointing to the escalating insecurity in the North-East and North-West regions of Nigeria.
The group noted that the NSA has failed to hold press briefings on widespread killings, village invasions, and displacement of communities caused by Fulani militia and terrorist groups in states like Zamfara, Sokoto, Borno, and Katsina.
READ ALSO: Ribadu Humiliated Nigeria in U.S., Blocked Biden-Tinubu Meeting — Gambaryan Alleges
“It is hypocritical for Ribadu to single out IPOB while ignoring the atrocities being committed almost daily in his own region,” the group said.
They also referenced a recent testimony in court, where a government witness allegedly confirmed that the Department of State Services (DSS) is under the control of Ribadu’s office — a fact AVID says further disqualifies him from publicly passing judgment on IPOB while legal proceedings are ongoing.
“His outburst reflects a mindset that criminalizes dissent and demonizes regional aspirations. It is not only unjust — it is dangerous,” AVID stated.
The group called on the judiciary and civil society to resist what it termed “an authoritarian narrative” and to uphold the principles of fairness and legal due process.