The wife of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Mrs. Uchechi Okwu-Kanu, has denied reports alleging that she has filed for divorce, describing the claims as false, misleading and unverified.
Mrs. Okwu-Kanu made the clarification in a statement posted on her verified X handle on Friday, saying her attention had been drawn to reports circulating online claiming that she had initiated divorce proceedings against her husband.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have not filed for divorce. The publication is entirely false and should be treated as misinformation,” she stated. Blueprint reports
The rebuttal comes amid widespread speculation on social media following reports by some online platforms alleging that the marriage between the IPOB leader and his wife had hit the rocks.
Debunks online reports
In her statement, Mrs. Okwu-Kanu expressed concern over what she described as the growing trend of fabricating stories about her family without proper verification.
She lamented that false reports and misinformation had continued to trail her family, stressing that such publications undermine the principles of responsible journalism.
According to her, members of the public should disregard the reports and rely only on information released directly by her or through her authorised representatives.
She also thanked those who reached out to verify the reports before sharing them, describing their actions as a demonstration of professionalism and responsibility.
The denial has since sparked fresh reactions online, with supporters of the IPOB leader dismissing the reports as another attempt to spread falsehoods about the Kanu family.
Controversy trails reports
The reports had generated considerable attention on social media, with many Nigerians expressing surprise over the claims and questioning their authenticity.
Some social media users had alleged that prolonged separation occasioned by Kanu’s incarceration may have contributed to the purported breakdown of the marriage.
However, no evidence or court documents were provided to support the divorce claims.
Media analysts have since cautioned against the spread of unverified information, particularly on issues involving public figures and their families.
Observers say the Kanu family has repeatedly been the subject of misinformation due to the high-profile nature of the IPOB leader’s legal and political battles.
Marriage spanning over 17 years
Nnamdi Kanu and Uchechi Okwu-Kanu got married in 2009 and have remained in the public eye due to Kanu’s political activities and legal challenges.
Over the years, Mrs. Okwu-Kanu has remained one of the strongest advocates for her husband’s release, frequently speaking on his legal battles and engaging with supporters and international organisations.
Her latest statement therefore came as a surprise to many who had followed her consistent public support for the detained IPOB leader.
Political observers noted that the rumours were inconsistent with her longstanding advocacy and public declarations regarding her husband’s plight.
Kanu’s legal battle
The controversy surrounding the alleged divorce comes against the backdrop of Nnamdi Kanu’s continued incarceration.
The IPOB leader is currently serving a life sentence at the Sokoto Custodial Centre following his conviction on terrorism-related charges by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in November 2025.
Kanu was found guilty on all seven counts preferred against him and sentenced to life imprisonment on five of the counts, 20 years imprisonment on one count and five years on another count, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently.
His conviction generated mixed reactions across the country, with supporters insisting that he was being persecuted for his political beliefs, while the Federal Government maintained that due process had been followed.
Appeal against conviction
Following the judgment, Kanu filed a notice of appeal before the Court of Appeal on February 4, 2026, seeking to overturn his conviction and sentence.
The appeal is yet to be determined and continues to attract considerable public interest, particularly in the South-East, where the IPOB leader commands a large following.
Analysts believe that developments surrounding Kanu’s legal battle and personal life will continue to attract attention because of his influence on Nigeria’s political landscape.
However, with Mrs. Uchechi Okwu-Kanu’s latest clarification, the reports of a divorce between her and the detained IPOB leader appear to have been firmly put to rest.
For now, there is no official record or evidence to suggest that divorce proceedings have been initiated, making the reports another instance of misinformation in the age of social media.