Nnamdi Kanu created the Directorate of State (DOS) to run IPOB if he was detained. The DOS took over the running of the organisation after Kanu was jailed in 2021. Mazi Chika Edoziem is the director of the Directorate of State.

Kanu also made other orders at the time. He told the DOS to appoint Simon Ekpa as the lead broadcaster on Radio Biafra. However, the DOS sacked Ekpa because he was not following instructions.

Kanu created the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and its commander is Chinasa Nworu.

The Kanu Family has battled both the DOS and Simon Ekpa since Kanu's detention because it wants to play a more central role in IPOB. However, Nnamdi Kanu and the DOS have said that IPOB is separate from the family.

Kanu's brothers, especially Kanunta and Emmanuel Kanu want the February 2nd, 2026 sit-at-home protest to go ahead, but the DOS is obeying Nnamdi Kanu's earlier order that the sit-at-home protest has been cancelled.


IPOB DOS and Nnamdi Kanu's lawyers have said that the protest has been cancelled, while Kanu's brothers say that the protest must go on. Kanu's brothers are supported by BRGIE, the organisation set up by Simon Ekpa.