Popular Nigerian singer, Kingsley Okonkwo, widely known as Kcee, has openly declared his Biafran identity. He stated that every Igbo person is inherently a Biafran. This declaration has sparked significant conversation.

During an interview with Yanga 89.9 FM in Lagos, the artist explained his view. He argued that Biafra should be understood as a cultural and ethnographical region. He compared it to Arewa in Northern Nigeria and Oduduwa in the South-West. Kcee stressed that it is not merely a separatist label.

“As far as I am concerned, every Igbo man under the sun today is a Biafran,” Kcee affirmed. “I am a Biafran. I am an Igbo man. Biafra is where we are from. It is just like the Arewas and Oduduwas.”

Biafra’s Historical Context

Kcee further delved into the historical background of the name. He highlighted that it predates modern political interpretations. This context is crucial to understanding its meaning, he noted.

“Biafra was created in 1967,” he explained. “Frank Opigo from Bayelsa suggested that name for the Igbos. We adopted it in 1967. Before 1967, who were we? Igbos. Being Igbo means you are still a Biafran.”

The singer consistently maintained his stance. He believes identifying as Igbo automatically places a person within the broader Biafran heritage.

Court Frees Pro-Biafra Activists

Meanwhile, a significant legal development has occurred concerning pro-Biafra activists. Justice I. P. Chima delivered a judgment. This ruling concluded the cases of 36 activists. They were arrested and remanded in custody on May 24, 2020.

The first group of 12 activists had already been freed. Their release came in separate rulings. This new judgment addresses the remaining detainees.

These freedom fighters faced charges over alleged secessionist activities. They had been in prison since 2020. Defence lawyers described the charges as “recycled and baseless.”

Their release followed a preliminary objection filed in July. The defence team argued against subjecting the accused to double jeopardy. This practice violates Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The court upheld this argument. It cited the legal doctrine of autrefois acquit. This doctrine prevents trying a person again for offences. They must have been previously discharged and acquitted for those same offences.

Justice Chima agreed with the submissions. Defence counsel, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, presented these arguments. The judge ordered the immediate release of the 24 detainees. They were held at the correctional centre.