IPOB Issues Public Warning Against Burial Fundraising Scam in Abia State
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Homeland Leadership has issued a strong public disclaimer and warning against what it describes as a fraudulent scheme involving unauthorised collections for the burial of a late member in Abia State.
In a statement signed by Mazi Expensive, IPOB Homeland Publicity Secretary, IPOB said its attention had been drawn to reports that certain individuals and groups were moving around Abia State and beyond, soliciting and in some cases compelling financial contributions. The collections were being presented as contributions for the burial of late Mazi Akparawa, who IPOB claims was “gruesomely murdered by the Nigerian Joint Task Force.”
The statement noted that the solicitors were particularly targeting people of Cross River extraction.
IPOB categorically denied any involvement in or authorisation of such fundraising activities. “IPOB does not operate by compelling members or the public to make donations for the burial of its officers or members,” the statement read. It added that the movement already has established welfare structures to handle such responsibilities when necessary.
The leadership further clarified that no burial fundraising exercise for late Mazi Akparawa had been authorised or started under the current IPOB Homeland Leadership headed by Mazi Chikadibia Edoziem.
Anyone collecting money in IPOB’s name for this purpose, IPOB said, was “acting without the authority of the Institution” and should be regarded as a criminal.
Members of the public were strongly advised not to part with their money. The statement warned that anyone who still chooses to contribute does so at their own risk, and that IPOB Leadership would not be held responsible for any losses arising from the unauthorised collections.
IPOB described the individuals behind the scheme as agents operating under the influence of what it called the “Sokoto-microwaved, so-called DOS extraction,” whose agenda, it claimed, was to continue defrauding Biafrans and causing them pain.
IPOB home land urged comrades and the general public to remain vigilant and to verify every purported financial directive only through recognised IPOB channels.
The warning, IPOB said, was issued solely for the protection and awareness of its people.
Family Writers Press International