UK Denies Proscribing IPOB, Says Only Violent Members Will De Denied Asylum

The British High Commission (BHC) in Nigeria has denied reports that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been proscribed as a terrorist organization in the United Kingdom.

IPOB Not Proscribed In UK

KanyiDaily recalls that several media reports had claimed that the UK government recognized the IPOB as a terrorist organization, directing that the group members should be excluded from its asylum programme.

However, in a statement on Friday by a BHC spokesperson, Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, the UK government described the reports as “inaccurate”, stressing that the British government only acknowledged Nigeria’s classification of the group.

Noting that the IPOB is not a proscribed organization in the UK, Akande-Alegbe added that only the group members who have committed violent crimes in Nigeria will not be granted asylum.

The statement read, “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.

“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). CPINs provide country of origin information (COl) and analysis of COI for use by UK Government decision-makers handling particular types of protection and human rights claims.

“All asylum and human rights claims made in the UK are considered on their individual facts in accordance with our obligations under the UN Refugee Convention and European Convention on Human Rights, taking into account relevant background country information and case law.

“The CPIN on separatist groups in the South East, including the Indigenous People of Biafra, provides a general assessment of risks faced by individuals belonging to those groups. These assessments are based on an analysis of publicly available country information obtained from a wide range of reliable sources including media outlets; UK and other governments; local, national and international organisations; and non-government organisations.

“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.”

KanyiDaily recalls that IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu had declined the asylum offer saying “what we Biafrans need and cherish the most is referendum and not asylum in the UK.”