Aloy Ejimakor, legal counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has criticised the Federal Government’s decision to label the group as a sponsor of terrorism, describing the move as flawed and unjustified.

Ejimakor made his position known in a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, following the government’s recent release of a list naming 48 alleged terrorist sponsors, which included IPOB.

The development comes amid ongoing security challenges across the country, with recent attacks reportedly claiming the lives of several military personnel.

Reacting to the classification, Ejimakor argued that people from the former Eastern Nigeria, often referred to as Biafra or Ndịgbo, are inherently linked to IPOB by identity.

According to him, describing the group as a terrorist sponsor raises broader concerns, as it could imply a wider categorisation that extends beyond its intended scope.

He further maintained that such labeling is inappropriate and lacks justification, stressing that it cannot be sustained under objective scrutiny.

Ejimakor also drew comparisons with other regional socio-cultural groups, suggesting that applying a similar label to them would be equally questionable.

His comments add to the ongoing debate and legal disputes surrounding IPOB’s designation and activities in Nigeria.