The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)

  • South East Senators, IPOB leader meet in Abuja

    South East Senators, IPOB leader meet in Abuja

    …As Ekweremadu raises alarm over alleged plot by EFCC to frame him

     

    The recently released leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu late on Tuesday met with South East Senators.

    The meeting held in the Apo Legislative Quarters residence of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, was said to have been used by the IPOB leader to thank the senators for their efforts to secure his release.

    A source privy to the meeting said that the senators asked Kanu to endeavour to honour the bail conditions under which he was released by an Abuja Federal High Court on April 28, 2017.

    The senators were also said to have assured Kanu that they were working to actualize the three IPOB members still in detention.

    He said that the South East senators did not ask Kanu to shelve his agitation for the actualization of the sovereign state of Biafra.

    He added that the meeting also stressed the need for unity and development in the South East zone.

    The meeting came as Ekweremadu on Wednesday raised the alarm over alleged plot by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to frame him up and arrest him.

    Ekweremadu who raised the alarm on the floor of the Senate read an alert letter he received from an unnamed informant.

    The informant asked Ekweremadu to “Please treat this with utmost secrecy by protecting the identity of the source.”

    A source close to Ekweremadu informed that “We suspect that the EFCC is coming after key members of the South East Senate caucus due to their roles in the release of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mr Nnamdi Kanu.”

    He said that members of the South Caucus “met at the private residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu in Abuja on Tuesday night, where they extensively discussed the alleged looming political persecution.”

    His listed some of those in attendance at the meeting to include, Kanu, Ekweremadu, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Theodore Orji, Andy Uba, Hope Uzodinma, Gilbert Nnaji, Sam Egwu and Sonni Ugbuoji.

    Findings also showed that prior to the release of Kanu on April 28, members of the caucus met on several occasions at Ekweremadu’s Apo residence to strategise on how to get Kanu out of the hook.

    It was at one of the meetings that Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe elected to serve as the surety to Kanu.

    The source said that “the Presidency may be unhappy over the roles played by Senators, especially Ekweremadu and Abaribe.”

    Senator Ekweremadu told the Senate that he was alerted about alleged plot by the EFCC to invade his country home in Enugu and other apartments, under the guise of searching for looted funds and guns.

    Ekweremadu read the letter said to have been written to him by an unnamed informant, informing him of EFCC’s plans and alleged plot by the anti-graft agency to “plant arms and ammunition in his apartment during the raid.”

    He said that the intention was to label him as a corrupt politician, unfit to hold any public office.

    Ekweremadu added that plans have also been concluded by EFCC to use groups to protest in major cities across the country, calling for his resignation and prosecution.

    The letter read in part: “Distinguished Senator, there is a grand plan from the cabals in the presidency, using the EFCC as an anti-graft agency to indict and remove you from office. These cabal in the presidency have mandated the EFCC chairman to carry out this evil operation within two weeks.

    “On the 6th of May Saturday night 2017/Sunday morning, the EFCC alongside local and international media both print and TV will raid an apartment under the guise of whistle blowing policy of the Federal Government.

    “They will come with a search warrant already obtained from a Magistrate Court to search an apartment alleged to be one of your guest houses in Enugu, the state capital or any available apartment in your senatorial district that will serve this evil purpose.

    “EFCC is claiming to have received a tip off from a whistle blower in your state alerting the agency of a huge amount of money of different currencies in the said apartment belonging to you, senator Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “They will say that the money is a proceed which is likely to be illegally obtained and acquired, which constitute abuse of office and corruption.

    “A huge amount of money with different currencies, such as British pound sterling, US dollars, Indian rupee, South Africa rand, and Malaysian Ringgit will be ‘discovered’.

    “Documents alleged to be yours, such as 2015 campaign memo and logistic, a list of names of chairmen of local wards of party men and women that benefited from your empowerment programme and other cooked up documents bearing your signature.

    “A single photo portrait of yours will be placed in the sitting room. Ammunition such as AK 47, two pump action gun with unused gun bullet will be found.

    “You will be invited by the anti-graft agency for questioning and interrogation to shed more light on the said apartment which will lead to your arrest and detention, pending the outcome of the investigation.

    “While you are still in detention, sponsored non-governmental organizations will be protesting round the nation and in cities like Lagos, Enugu, Anambra, Abuja, etc.

    “Sponsored youth in your senatorial district will come to Abuja protesting in the National Assembly gate with petitions submitted to the Senate President and one to the Clark to the National Assembly to recall you.

    “While protest is ongoing according to their evil plan, the EFCC after detaining  you for at least three weeks, you will be charge to court since section 308 immunity clause does not apply to your office.

    “The cabals in the presidency are planning to indict you and to kill your political ambition so that you can no longer stand for any future elections. They also want to show to the international community and Nigerian people that you are a corrupt politician.

    “I sympathized with you and God will continue to use people like us to destabilize their evil plan against you. I wish you all the best in your political journey.‎”

    There was no debate of the letter and Ekweremadu said that he only wanted to alert the Senate about what was likely in the offing.

     

  • FCT police command warn IPOB against planned protest in Abuja

    FCT police command warn IPOB against planned protest in Abuja

    The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Mr Musa Kimo has warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against its planned protest in Abuja.

    Kimo gave the warning in a statement issued by the command’s Spokesman, ASP Usen Omorodion in Abuja on Sunday.

    He said as a professional organisation, the command would not fold its arms and watch criminal elements hide under the guise of such protest to cause breakdown of law and order.

    Kimo advised residents to go about their lawful duties without fear and molestation.

    In a related development, the FCT spokesman the command arrested a member of an armed robbery syndicate at Robochi, Abuja on April 26.

    He said Usman Alhaji Mai-moto, 24, a principal suspect was arrested with a stolen motorcycle by police operatives on routine patrol.

    The spokesman said the suspect confessed to have participated in the snatching of several motorcycles at gunpoint.

    Omorodion said the suspect had given the police useful information that led to the arrest of one of his cohorts, Wisdom Peter, 18, who was arrested while trying to sell a stolen motorcycle.

    He said the two stolen motorcycles had been recovered from the suspects.

    “Frantic effort is being made to arrest their cohort said to be in possession of the firearm used by the syndicate for its robbery operations.’’

    Omorodion said the command had also arrested three suspects who specialised in house breaking.

    The suspects are : Mansur Aminu, 24, Emmanuel Aboki and Dauda Isa.

    Items recovered from them include, two clippers, 11 SIM cards and one generating set.

    He said the suspects would be transferred to the Command Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for discreet investigation and prosecution.

  • Nnamdi Kanu’s release excites MASSOB

    Nnamdi Kanu’s release excites MASSOB

    The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign state of Biafra (MASSOB) has expressed gladness over the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) from Prison.

    MASSOB leader, Uchenna Madu in statement said: “We rejoice with millions of Biafrans all over the world, it is a stepping progress towards Biafra actualization and restoration. It is a triumph of light over darkness.”

    According to MASSOB, his release has opened a new dimension to Biafra struggle  which must continue to be anchored on non-violence, mutual understanding and unity of purpose.

    “As Nnamdi Kanu regained freedom, MASSOB will continue with other progressive groups and individuals to press further for the release of other pro Biafra detainees across Nigeria prisons.

    “MASSOB as the most prominent pro Biafra group that supports Mazi Nnamdi Kanu believes that there are credible Igbo senators and Jewish religious leaders who can stand for Nnamdi Kanu. Standing for Nnamdi Kanu means standing for Ndigbo because we still have credible senators which have been proved by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who can never be intimidated or subjected to cowardice because of the conditions of the bail granted to Nnamdi Kanu.

    “MASSOB did not shake or entertain fears or jittery over the stringent bail conditions granted to Nnamdi Kanu because we know that the people of Biafra are capable of dismounting  any confrontational strongholds against the actualization and restoration of Biafra.

    The bail conditions established against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal government of Nigeria is a soft landing subtly given to themselves to ease their shame.

    “MASSOB salutes and hails the oneness of unifying forces of Igbo senators led by Ike Ekweremadu and Enyinnaya Abaribe with the backup of Igbo governors and other prominent Nigerians in their swift response in perfecting the bail conditions of our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. If such brotherhood tempo continues, Ndigbo will achieve any height in Nigeria without much difficulties,” concluded the statement.

     

  • Igbo coalition flays Yakassai for chiding Biafra struggle

    Igbo coalition flays Yakassai for chiding Biafra struggle

    A coalition of Igbo groups, Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) Tuesday came hard on elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai over his recent utterances against the Biafra struggle.

    The ECA made its stand known at its special session, attended by several Igbo leaders in Enugu where detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was elected as its new leader.

    Others elected included Rev Fr. John Odey- Publicity Secretary, Evang. Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko- Secretary, Dede Uzor A Uzor- Assistant Publicity Secretary, while Chief (Mrs.) Maria Okwor, remains Matron and Deputy Leader. ECA Patrons remain, Prof Ben Nwabueze, Dr Alex Ekwueme and Archbishop Anthony Obinna.

    In a communique issued after the election, signed by the Deputy Leader, Chief Mrs. Maria Okwor and the Publicity Secretary, Rev. Fr. John Odeh, the ECA described Yakassai’s recent outburst against Biafra agitation as misplaced.

    The group told Yakassai that “your claimed annoyance over the agitation for secession by the great IPOB is misplaced.

    “Alhaji Tanko should kindly provide answers as to why Zamfara State with NPC acclaimed population of over 5 million people should immunize only 74,000 under 5 year children during the anti-polio vaccination exercise, while Imo State with NPC population of under 3 million immunized over 300,000 thousand.

    “JAMB and WAEC figures year after year also confirm the fraudulent census figures; Zamfara and Sokoto states with a combined NPC alleged population of over 11 million enroll only 40 thousand candidates while Anambra state alone with an NPC population of 3 million produces over 400 thousand candidates. Man’s inhumanity to Man.”

    Insisting on restructuring, the ECA said, “the fraudulent and oppressive census figures is one of the reasons the East can no longer accept Nigeria as presently structured.

    “The deliberate asphyxiation of our people with a very wicked state and local government creation based on land mass is another reason sir.”
    “The refusal to peacefully restructure Nigeria sir is the reason the demand for secession is growing louder and louder. The demand dear sir will only grow louder until justice is done sir.

    “As for Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu and his Northern delegate to the confab forum, we say your position by opposing the peaceful restructuring of Nigeria excites and fuels the secessionists.”

    The Igbo group equally lauded the new Ohanaeze Leadership “for standing on the side of the people, a welcome breath of fresh air in comparison with past cowardly Ohanaeze leaderships.”
    Meanwhile in his acceptance speech presented by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, represented by the new IPOB coordinator, ‎Mazi George Onyeibehe said: ‎”I hope all the affiliate groups in this coalition will soon join hands with us in our peaceful and non-violent pursuit of a referendum that will allow the people decide their future.

    “I commend the ECA and strongly believe that I will not let you down. Once again, I say thank you for this great honour”.

    ‎

     

  • Court strikes out 6 counts in charge against Kanu, others

    Court strikes out 6 counts in charge against Kanu, others

    …Fixes March 20 for commencement of trial on remaining 5 counts

     

    Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja Wednesday struck out six of the 11 counts contained in the charge filed against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and three others.

    Justice Nyako, in a ruling yesterday, held that the six counts were not supported by the proof of evidence the prosecution submitted in court to support the charge it filed against Kanu and others.

    The other three are: Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and a Field Maintenance Engineer attached to the MTN, David Nwawuisi.

    The ruling was on separate notices of objection filed by Kanu, Onwudiwe and Nwawuisi, challenging the validity of the six counts.

    Justice Nyako said the proof of evidence failed to disclose any prima facie case against the defendants in relation to the six counts.

    The six counts are 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 and 11 in which they were charged with managing unlawful organisation, intention to manufacture Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) to be used against some Nigerian security agents and alleged improper importation of a radio transmitter.

    Justice Nyako was of the view that the allegation in Count 3 relating to “managing of unlawful society punishable under section 63 of the Criminal Code Act” could not be substantiated by the proof of evidence.

    She said the proof of evidence failed to show that IPOB was indeed an unlawful organisation, noting that the prosecution failed to show that IPOB had been proscribed or that it was not registered either in Nigeria or London.

    The judge said the alleged, “improper importation of goods contrary to section 47(1) (a) (i) of the Customs and Excise Management Act” levelled against Kanu in Count 5 did not disclose the elements of the alleged offence bordering on the importation of a Radio Transmitter known as TRAM 50L.

    The judge held that the allegation in Count 7 accusing Madubugwu of “managing of unlawful society punishable under section 63 of the Criminal Code Act” by accepting and keeping a container housing the radio transmitter which he allegedly knew was to be used for Radio Biafra, also did not disclose any element of the alleged crime.

    She said count 9 in which sense Onwudiwe and Nwawuisi were charged with “conspiracy to commit treasonble felony contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act” did not disclose the elements of the alleged crime.

    Justice Nyako said the count failed to disclose which of the acts of installation of the transmitter on the MTN mast site at Ogui Road, near St. Michale Church, Enugu State, and the agreement on the payment of N150,000 was the act that constituted the offence of conspiracy to commit treasonable felony.

    The judge also struck out Count 10, which accused Nwawuisi was accused of engaging in the “management of unlawful society punishable under section 63 of the Criminal Code Act”.

    The prosecution had accused Nwawuisi of the offence for allegedly permitting the installation of Radio Biafra transmitter on the MTN mast for the purpose of propagating the objective of IPOB after being paid the sum of N150,000 by Onwudiwe.

    Justice Nyako said the count could not stand because the proof that the IPOB was an unlawful society was not provided in the proof.

    The judge also struck out Count 11, which accused Onwudiwe of “knowingly committing an act preparatory to an act of terrorism” by allegedly “carrying out research for the purpose of identifying and gathering of improvised explosive device-making materials to be used gainst Nigerian security operatives carrying out their lawful duties”.

    The prosecution alleged in the count that Onwudiwe had by the act, committed an offence of “terrorism contrary to section 2(1)(a) of Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act 2011 as amended in 2013”.

    The judge agreed with the defence that since the offence only had to do with an intention to commit a particular act, it was the magistrate court that had the jurisdiction to entertain such charge.

    The judge however sustained Counts 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8.

    They are, in count 1, charged with “conspiracy to commit treasonable felony contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code act” by conspiring among themselves to broadcast on Radio Biafra “for states in the South-East and South-South zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue states to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a view to constituting same into Republic of Biafra”.

    In count 2, Kanu is charged with treasonable felony by broadcasting in London between 2014 and 2015, calling for the secession of Republic of Biafra from Nigeria.

    Count 4 accused Kanu of “publication of defamatory matter contrary to section 375 of the Criminal Code Act” by referring to the then Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd) and now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as “a paedophile, a terrorist, an idiot, and an embodiment of evil” in a broadcast on Radio Biafra on April 28, 2015.

    Count 6 accused Kanu of “improper importation of goods contrary to section 47(2)(a) of the Customs and Excise Management Act” by allegedly concealing a radio transmitter in a container of used household items and declaring the transmitter as part of the used household items.

    Count 8 accused Madubugwu of being in possession of one Emerald Magnum Pump Action Gun with serial number TS 870 – 113 – 0046 and one Delta Magnum Pump Action Gun with serial number 501 as well as 41 cartridges/ammunition without lawful authority or licence, was also sustained.

    Madubugwu was said to been caught with the firearms at his house in Ubulusuzor in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State in October 2015.

    After the judge’s ruling, the defendants were re-arraigned on the remaining five counts, to which they pleaded not guilty.

    The defence team indicated its detention to file fresh bail applications, their earlier ones having been rejected by the judge.

    Justice Nyako said the defence was at liberty to file fresh bail application at any time, but must be prepared for the commencement of trial on the next date. She adjourned to March 20.

  • Trump inauguration: Army brutalise protesters, journalist

    Trump inauguration: Army brutalise protesters, journalist

    Some soldiers allegedly detailed to stop a peaceful demonstration by Pro-Biafra members, on Friday, brutalised the Acting  South-South Editor of The Authority newspaper, Mr Willie Etim while trying to take pictures of protesting youths.

    The over one thousand Pro-Biafra youths in Port Harcourt, had staged a peaceful match in solidarity to the inauguration of the American President, Donald Trump and also to express the plight of Biafrans to the world.

    Narrating his ordeal in the hands of the personnel of the Nigerian Army who were fully armed in their numbers trying to stop the protest, Mr Willie Etim said, while on his way to the office, he noticed the massive crowd and he decided as a journalist to cover the protest, only to be attacked by some soldiers.

    He said that he narrowly escaped being lynched by two of the soldiers, after they had hit him with the butt of their gun,  destroyed his phone and other gadgets.

    Mr Willie said “At about 10:00am today, I was on my way to the office when I ran into a huge traffic holdup between Waterlines and Garrison bus stop in Port Harcourt. One lane was blocked and I was wondering what would have caused such massive crowd.

    “I got closer and discovered that it was Pro-Biafra protest in solidarity for the inauguration of Donald Trump and also to draw the world attention to the Biafra situation in Nigeria.

    “Haven gotten a brief from some of the protesters, I went further to take a picture of the protesting youths, unknowingly, one of the soldiers detailed to quell the protest sighted me as I was taking the picture while I was driving pass the crowd. Immediately, three of the soldiers walked up to me, asked me who authorised me to take the picture. It was then I introduced myself to them that I am a journalist.

    “One of them flared up and said ‘what stupid journalist’ and seized my phone which I use in snapping the picture and smashed it on the ground.

    “When I attempted to plead with them, to allow me to pick my sim card, they refused and threatened to shoot me if I come down from the car, as the two of them pointed their guns at me from the driver and passenger side of the window. When I insisted on picking my Sim card, one of them hit my car with the butt of his gun.

    “Afterwards, the soldier also hit me with the butt of his gun. It was then I got scared and narrowly escaped from the scene to my office”,  he said.

  • Nnamdi Kanu: FG can protect witnesses – Court

    Nnamdi Kanu: FG can protect witnesses – Court

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday approved Federal Government’s request to protect the identities of prosecution witnesses in the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and three others.

    Ruling on the motion filed by Mr. Mohammed Labaran, counsel to government, Justice Binta Nyako held that the application was meritorious.

    “The prosecution witnesses who should appear in a combination of alphabets will be given screens, which will be provided by the court.

    “The defendants and their counsel will, however, be able to see the witnesses before they testify,’’ Justice Nyako held.

    The judge later adjourned the trial till January 10, 2017.

  • Biafra: Court to decide Kanu, others’ bail, Dec 1

    Biafra: Court to decide Kanu, others’ bail, Dec 1

    Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja has scheduled ruling for December 1 in the bail applications by leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and three others.

    Others are Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.

    They were re-arraigned on November 8 before Justice Nyako on an 11-count amended charge. Justice Nyako is the third judge before who they are being arraigned, the other two having withdrawn following allegations by Kanu that they were bias.

    They are charged with treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods.

    Onwudiwe is charged alone, in one of the counts, with terrorism.

    Their alleged offences are in relation to the defendants’ alleged broadcasts on Radio Biafra and agitation for the creation of Biafra Republic from states in the South-East and South-South zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue states.

    Thursday, defence lawyers, including Ifeanyi Ejiofor (for Kanu); I. Adoga (for Onwudiwe);  E. I Efeme (for Madubugwu) and Maxwell Okpara (for Nwaiwusi) argued their separate bail applications.

    They urged the court to dismiss the counter-affidavit filed in opposition to their clients’ applications.

    The defence lawyers argued that the prosecution’s claim, to the effect that the defendants will constitute a threat to national security if released on bail pending trial, was unsustainable.

    Efeme argued: “The prosecution has the duties to give the particulars of how the defendants would constitute national security. These documents (provided by the prosecution) do not show such.

    “It is the duty of the prosecution to show how the third defendant and the rest of the defendants should not enjoy bail, and we are saying they have not,” he said.

    Adoge complained that his client, Onwudiwe was yet to be transferred to prison from the custody of the Department of State Service, despite the court’s order to that effect.

    He argued that the charge against his client was a mere “smokescreen”.

    “The Supreme Court has said when the charge is found to be a smokescreen, the court is bound to grant bail to the defendant,” he said.

    Okpara contended that the counter-affidavit filed by the prosecution in opposition to his client’s bail application was “fundamentally defective” and should be struck out.

    He urged the court to grant bail to his client on basis of the alleged defects in the bail application, a situation which he said implied that the application was not opposed.

    He also argued that contrary to the contention of the prosecution, the defendants would only constitute national security threat if they continued on remand, but that “there will be peace if they are released”.

    On his part, lead prosecution lawyer, Magaji Labaran argued his counter-affidavits and urged the court to dismiss the bail applications and order accelerated hearing in the case.

    He cautioned the court against granting bail to the defendants, particularly Onwudiwe, who is charged with terrorism.

    Labaran informed the court about an application he filed seeking protection for prosecution’s witnesses.

    Lawyers to the defendants confirmed being served with the applicant, but sought time to enable them respond.

    Justice Nyako consiquently adjourned to December 1 for ruling.

  • Markets open as traders boycott IPOB’s sit-at-home order

    Markets open as traders boycott IPOB’s sit-at-home order

    The sit-at-home order by pro-Biafra groups, especially the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) was boycotted in Imo State Friday.

    Markets, schools, government offices, as well as other public places were opened for business against the directive of the separatists groups, which ordered complete closure of all markets and business places across the Southeast to pray for the release of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kalu.

    In Owerri, the Imo State capital, there was free movement as the residents went about their businesses without molestation as had earlier been feared.

    Meanwhile there was heavy presence of armed Policemen who mounted at strategic locations across the capital city with their Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC).

    However when contacted, MASSOB factional leader, Uchenna Madu, said that the exercise was successful across the zone.

    According to him, “we achieved over sixty percent compliance in all the state and that shows that our people are committed to the struggle for a sovereign Biafra. It also shows that we are a powerful group and the people are behind what we are doing “.

    On the reason for the sit-at-home, he said that “we decided to sit at home to pray for the release of Nnamdi Kanu and other detained pro-Biafra activists and also to afford our people the opportunity to reflect about the struggle”.

  • Police arrest 12 IPOB members in Enugu

    Police arrest 12 IPOB members in Enugu

    No fewer than twelve persons suspected to be members of Indigenous People of Biafra  (IPOB) were arrested by the police in Enugu.

    The police working on a tip-off on a planned nefarious activity by the group swooped on them and made the arrests while many others escaped.

    Suspects were nabbed inside the popular ogbete market of Enugu state as they allegedly went into the market with public address to threaten and inflict fears on the members of the public particularly the traders.

    According to Enugu State police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu the IPOB members were announcing to the traders not to come to market from Tuesday.

    They were warning them that if anyone is seen in the market that the person will be dealt with by the group.

    “The suspects were rounded up by the operatives as the alleged threat announcement was being carried out. Recovered from suspects includes 21 handsets of different types, various leaflets in which some of them reads thus IPOB  FOR THE BETTERMENT OF YOUR CHILDREN AND THAT OF YOURSELF,PLEASE SIT AT HOME ON 23/9/16,THERE WILL BE NO WORK,NO SCHOOL,NO BUSINESS,NO MARKET,FREE NNAMDI KANU,FREE BIAFRA,ALL HAIL BIAFRA.

    “Also recovered includes flags suspected to be that of the group with their insignia, public address systems, one wireless microphone.

    Suspects are helping the operatives in their investigations and will soon be charged to court,” said Amaraizu.

    Meanwhile security is beefed up by the command as people were seen Tuesday at the market conducting their business as usual.

    Amaraizu stated: “In the light of the above, the Enugu state command of the Nigeria police Force working in partnership with relevant security Agencies and relevant stake holders in the state, has advised members of the public, particularly law abiding people of the state not to allow themselves, children and wards to be used by any person under any guise in the state to cause mischief as anyone caught will be made to face the full wrath of the law  pointing out that the command working in partnership with relevant security Agencies in the state is ready to ensure that  law abiding members of the public are not in any way molested or precluded from going about their normal lawful businesses.”