Nnamdi Kanu family warns of impersonation on social media

The family of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has issued a public warning regarding the impersonation of Kanu on social media platforms. According to a statement released by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, several fake accounts have been created on Facebook and Instagram, purporting to be Kanu and seeking engagement with the public.

The family claims that these accounts are being used to spread disinformation and damage Kanu’s reputation, as well as target his supporters for potential victimization. The statement emphasizes that Kanu has not had an active social media presence since his detention in June 2021 and does not operate any personal profiles on these platforms.

The fake accounts are believed to be part of a deceptive operation orchestrated by Nigerian security agencies, aimed at harvesting personal information, contacts, and data from unsuspecting followers. The family warns that interacting with these accounts could lead to severe consequences, including harassment, surveillance, and arrest.

The public is advised to exercise caution and not engage with any suspicious accounts claiming to represent Kanu. Instead, they should rely on verified IPOB channels, such as official handles and trusted media affiliates like Radio Biafra. The family urges individuals to report any fake pages to the relevant platforms as impersonation or scam accounts.

This development comes amidst the ongoing detention of Kanu, who has been a prominent figure in the Biafran independence movement. The IPOB leader has been advocating for the peaceful and non-violent pursuit of self-determination for the Biafran people. The family’s warning highlights the need for vigilance in the digital space, particularly in the context of political activism and social movements.

The incident also raises concerns about the use of social media for disinformation and manipulation, particularly in the context of political repression. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Nigerian government and social media platforms will respond to these allegations. For now, the family’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of online safety and the need to verify information through trusted sources.