MOVEMENT for the Actualization of a Sovereign State of Biafra, (MASSOB), has condemned the continued deten­tion of Director of Biafra Radio, Nnamdi Kanu, saying it raises questions over the true independence of the judicia­ry. This is even as Enugu-based Prophet Anthony Nwoko has identified Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a replacement for the late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

In a statement issued in Enugu yesterday, MASSOB leader, Uchenna Madu said Kanu’s continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) after the courts have acquitted him of all charges, shows that Nigerian judi­ciary is not independent.

Said he: “The independence of the three arms of gov­ernment is a complete sham; and this portrays Nigeria as an undemocratic state. It is a sign of frustration on Nigeria because Nnamdi Kanu and pro-Biafra groups represent the very truth Nigeria knows but always avoid to identify with it.

“I know Nnamdi Kanu. He’s a real Biafra, who can never succumb to intimidation, deviate or compromise. His illegal detention would worsen the image of Nigeria; MAS­SOB will never relent in identifying with Kanu. We shall continue to press for his release through legitimate means.

In another statement, Prophet Nwoko said an indepen­dent Biafra nation would be realized next year.

Nwoko, who said he was revealing a prophetic message, told journalists that the present protests and agitations for an independent state of Biafra was an act of God as a way of salvaging the Igbo race.

He described Kanu as the actual Igbo/Biafra leader that would emancipate the Igbos in the Biafra struggle.