AVID Challenges Ribadu Over Linking IPOB to Terrorism, Calls Claims 'Brazen Lies'

The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has strongly condemned Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for linking the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to terrorism, describing his claims as "brazen lies" and "hate speech."

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by Chief Dr. Sylvester Onyia, AVID rejected Ribadu's recent accusations that IPOB was responsible for attacks on police stations and correctional centers in parts of the country.

The group described Ribadu's actions as "not only subjudice but also a disgraceful abuse of public office," arguing that declaring IPOB guilty in the media while the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is ongoing constitutes interference with judicial independence.

"His media campaign against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network, ESN, filled with brazen lies, hate speech, and incitement, is not only subjudice but a disgraceful abuse of public office," the statement read in part.

AVID further questioned Ribadu's moral standing to speak on terrorism, pointing to ongoing security challenges in the North-East region where he hails from. The group highlighted what they described as the government's failure to address violence perpetrated by "Fulani militia, bandits, and terrorists" in states like Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Borno, and Katsina.

"Sir, you have no moral standing to speak of terrorism while blood from your own backyard runs freely down the streets of Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Borno, Katsina, and other states plagued by Fulani militia, bandits, and terrorists that your government has consistently failed—or refused to name and confront," the statement continued.

The group also referenced testimony from May 22, 2025, where a government witness allegedly stated under oath that the Department of State Services (DSS) is under the direct control of the National Intelligence Agency and, by extension, the National Security Adviser.

AVID represents Igbo people who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. The organization's statement comes amid ongoing tensions regarding the treatment of IPOB and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently facing trial.

Ribadu had recently attributed violent attacks on police stations and correctional facilities in parts of the country to IPOB, a claim that has now drawn significant backlash from the diaspora organization.