The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Indigenous People of Biafra

  • Abia: Soldiers storm Kanu father’s compound

    Abia: Soldiers storm Kanu father’s compound

    Men of the Nigerian Army in Abia on Thursday night allegedly stormed the Afara Ukwu Umuahia countryhome of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu allegedly leaving several people injured in the cause of their patrol.

    When contacted by text message, leader of Egwueke II in Abia, Col. A.K Ibrahim told The Nation: “Our men went on patrol around there and were attacked. But am not on seat now to give details.. Much later pls Sir”.

    Details of the operation was still sketchy as at press time, but the IPOB leader’s young brother, Emmanuel said the soldiers numbering over 150 with some mobile policemen stormed their residence at Afara Ukwu at about 6.45pm.

    Speaking to Our Reporter after the incident, Emmanuel claimed that the soldiers who came with their trucks and APC condoned off their father’s palace before they started shooting sporadically.

    According to him the shooting lasted for over 45 minutes after wish they (Soldiers) forcefully broke into the compound and opened fire on whoever was on sight.

    Emmanuel said when the shooting was over, that 22 IPOB and family members including the family dog were dead.

    “You recall that Nnamdi kanu had told the world just yesterday that the Nigerian Government is plotting to kill him on September 15, but they struck a day before their planned date. But we thank God they did not succeed and will never succeed.”

    Emmanuel said after shooting and killing the IPOB members, the soldiers in company of the mobile policemen desecrated their father’s palace by ransacking the place but he did not say if the rampaging soldiers took away anything from the palace.

  • Don’t yield to drumbeat of war, APC to Nigerians

    Don’t yield to drumbeat of war, APC to Nigerians

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to Nigerians not to yield to elements bearing the drumbeat of war in the country, saying Nigerians must instead stand up and speak with one voice for peaceful coexistence and in the interest of the present generation of Nigerians and those yet unborn.

    Reacting to the recent clash between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and the military, the party, in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and made available to newsmen in Abuja ask the military must adhere with globally-stipulated rules of engagements and laws governing their operations.

    It condemned the attack on the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalist in Umuahia, the Abia state capital and applauded the quick response of the army high command in tendering an apology to the affected Journalists.

    The statement reads: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) calls for calm and restraint following recent reports of violent clashes linked to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Abia and Rivers State.

    “The Party also regrets the incident at the National Union of Journalist (NUJ) Secretariat in Umuahia, Abia State capital, where some journalists were assaulted. Commendably, the Nigerian Army has tendered its apology and is investigating the matter.

    “While the Party insist that security agencies must adhere with globally-stipulated rules of engagements and laws governing their operations, we must allow our security agencies to conduct their constitutional roles of securing lives and property without hindrance and provocation.

    “We also call on citizens, social commentators, media influencers and other stakeholders to be careful and mindful of their utterances on the clashes. Stoking tensions by inciting utterances, hate speech and all other forms of awful propaganda will only push the country to the precipice.

    “When we see the devastation of the Country’s North East by Boko Haram, the 1966 Nigerian civil war and similar conflicts in other countries, we are reminded of the effects of internal strife.

    “We must not yield to elements beating the drumbeats of war. We owe the peace and unity of our dear country to the present and unborn generations. We must speak and stand up for peaceful coexistence on our social media platforms, places of worship and all other public spaces we belong.

    “On the backdrop of recent agitations and actions which have the potential of undermining the unity of our country and our relationship across religious and ethnic divides, the Party cautions that we must ensure that such agitations are peaceful and lawful. The Party reiterates its belief that it is in our collective interest to support and remain steadfast to the cause of a united Nigeria.”

  • S/East governors’ forum denies meeting against FG

    S/East governors’ forum denies meeting against FG

    The Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, David Umahi has debunked reports making the rounds alleging that the body met behind closed doors where they accused the federal government of killing members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and other issues.

    Umahi was reacting to a report credited to one Comrade Nwankpa Osita Okere alleging that the forum met in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state where they accused the federal government of brutality on Ndigbo.

    Umahi who is also the Governor of Ebonyi State described the report as tissues of lies from the pit of hell.

    The governor who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor described the report as nothing but a figment of the writer’s imagination.

    He alleged that the said report was craftily done to embarrass the forum and create friction between the Governors of the zone and the federal government as part of efforts to thwart the ongoing peace process with the IPOB.

    He accused the originators of the falsehood of trying to sabotage the peace process already in motion between the forum and leadership of the IPOB especially as it concerns the rebuilding process and way forward to achieving lasting peace in the zone.

    “The attention of the forum has been drawn to a report circulating in various social media platforms, alleging that the South East Governors met behind closed doors at the Government House Abakaliki where they reached a consensus and accused the federal government of killing members of IPOB,” said the statement.

    “While it is our responsibility to protect the lives and property of our people including the IPOB, it is rather embarrassing to link the forum to whatever politics of bitterness in any part of the country”

    “Firstly, the writer and his paymasters failed to meet up with the realities on ground as concerns the already initiated move between the governors’ forum and leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu reached during our last meeting in our secretariat in Enugu.

    “It is therefore the wish of the forum to assure the general public that the communiqué raised during our last meeting with IPOB leadership still stands and anybody circulating any report contrary is the real enemy of Ndigbo and should be disregarded”

    The statement further disclosed that there was no such meeting as reported by the agent, adding that the Chairman of the forum, Governor Umahi whom he quoted as issuing the statement was not even in the country as he is outside the country on investment drive for the development of his state.

    He said that the forum is working in synergy with the federal government and other federating units towards economic and regional integration and development of the South East region.

    The governor further called on members of the public to disregard every attempt by amorphous groups to instigate crisis between the zone and the federal government.

     

  • Traders make brisk sales as Aba hosts IPOB leader Kanu

    Traders make brisk sales as Aba hosts IPOB leader Kanu

    The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State on Sunday August 27 to further push the course of his group. Sunny Nwankwo, who was at the event, writes on how many traders made fortune from the visit.

    Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, gained its popularity through the ingenuity of its residents and their huge interest in trade and investment in economic activities. This accounts for why the city would be bubbling with human and vehicular movement in many parts of the city within the week days except Sundays when major markets of Ariaria, Cemetery/Eziukwu, Ahia Ohuru (New market), Shopping Center among others remain closed.

    But the long held belief that Sundays, usually provide residents of Aba the opportunity to commune with their maker (God for Christians) and also provides them the space to attend social functions and to meet family and friends who they may have not being able to see for a very long time was set aside at the weekend.

    While the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was in Aba at the weekend to further preach the message of emancipation he has for his supporters who thronged the premises of Boys Technical College (BTC), Aba located along Faulks road, many SME owners took the advantage to display their wares to make brisk cash at the event.

    From Biafra insigma to food items and amongst others were all on display for people to buy.

    Some of the traders who spoke to our reporter said that they couldn’t afford to miss an event that would help them make some sales in order to put food on their family tables.

    They however told our reporter that they reduced the price of their items at the rally ground to ensure that as many that would want to buy the items can buy such.

    One of the traders, Ikechukwu Goodluck said that he has been preparing for the event since last two weeks when he got wind of Kanu’s imminent visit to Aba as he stated that he knew that many people would be in attendance.

    A food vendor, Mrs. Ifeoma Uzoma said that she has not recorded the kind of patronage she recorded since she started selling food and prayed that a day like that would continue to be witnessed.

    While these people were having a field day, Kanu had a message for his supporters and to the federal government of the country.

    The IPOB leader, who described Aba as the “Spiritual Land of Biafra”, said that he was not going to go on exile, urging his supporters and those who believed in the Biafra course to be strong and resolute.

    He also used the opportunity to reiterate that there won’t be election in Anambra in November or any part of “Biafra Land” even in 2019 unless there was a date for referendum which the group has been clamouring for.

    Kanu who paid tribute to those reportedly killed at National High School Aba by security agencies in his words said “Here we are, is Biafra Land. Aba is the spiritual capital of Biafra land. We started in Aba in 2015 at CKC (Christ the King Catholic Cathedral). That day, heaven authenticated our move that IPOB will restore Biafra and that’s what we’ve come to do. We died in Aba; At National High School.

    “They shot and killed us in other places in Biafra land when they were protesting for my release. As our people rest in the grave, we’ll never rest until Biafra is restored. I don’t care what they say in Abuja. I don’t give a damn what they say in Lagos.  “I’m a Biafran and we are going to crumble the zoo. Some idiots who are not educated said that they’ll arrest me, and I ask them to come. I’m in Biafra land. If any of them leaves Biafra land alive know that this is not IPOB. Tell them that’s what I said.

    “Tell buhari that I’m in Aba and any person who comes to arrest Nnamdi Kanu in Biafra land will die here. I’ll never go on exile I assure you.

    “Some people talk about restructuring, are we doing restructuring of Nigeria now? Are we doing fiscal federalism? Are we doing devolution? What we want is Biafra!

    “Forget all the nonsense they write about us. We are not slowing down and no man born of a woman can stop us. They thought we are joking and God gave us a simple message that no one can stop us. The movement to restore Biafra is unstoppable.

    “God sent me to you, Aba people and I am giving you His message. Our veterans here, your own message is that you’ll see Biafra alive not in death.

    “The message of heaven is what I bring to you. Don’t be afraid. The plans of our enemies are not going to be actualized. The enemies are planning, but we are formidable.

    “We are going to boycott Anambra State election. After Anambra 2017, in 2019, there’ll be no elections in Biafra land. Signed and sealed. My message is that there’ll not be election in Biafra land ever again until they give us date for referendum.”

     

  • Police warn IPOB against disrupting public peace

    Police warn IPOB against disrupting public peace

    The police in Bayelsa State, on Monday, warned members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against taking actions capable of disrupting public peace in the state.

    The police said they were collaborating with other security agencies to deal decisively with anyone creating panic and fear under the guise of agitation.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Asuquo Amba, who spoke through the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Butswat Asinim, asked the Igbos in the state and other residents to go about their daily routines without fear.

    The warning came following reports that circulars were being discreetly circulated in Yenagoa, the state capital, asking Igbo traders to observe a sit-at-home order today.

    RELATED POST: BIAFRA: Rising sun or dying dream?

    Asinim said the police and other security agencies would deploy operatives in flash points to curtail activities of miscreants.

    He said: “Concerning the agitation, the Bayelsa police command in collaboration with other security agencies has put in place a robust operation order to curtail activities of miscreants.

    “We are going to deploy anti-riot policemen to various locations in the town that may be considered as flash points and members of the public should not be afraid.

    “They should go about their lawful and legitimate duties as adequate security has been put in place”.

  • Nnamdi Kanu meets MASSOB leaders

    Nnamdi Kanu meets MASSOB leaders

    The leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has met with the leader of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, (MASSOB), Uchenna Madu and commended his group for its tenacity and uprightness in the struggle for Biafra.

    Speaking at his Afara Ukwa Umuahia North country home, Umuahia, when MASSOB leadership under Madu visited to rejoice with him over his freedom secured in the court, Kanu said that the struggle requires sincerity, consistency and selflessness.

    Kanu commended MASSOB for working in tandem with the principles and course which IOPB is pursing, namely fighting for the good of the people of Biafra without being violent thereby saving lives of Biafrans.

    He said that he was not in the struggle to be seen as the number one but believed in the collective effort and struggle for the emancipation of the people of Biafra, adding that he supports all platforms that genuinely pursue the course of Biafra.

    The IPOB leader recalled that all of them were in MASSOB for the struggle until their former leader derailed and commended Uchenna Madu for re-channeling MASSOB to the original course it was founded for and pledged the continued cooperation and collaboration of the two groups for the good of Biafra.

    Kanu said, “You can recall that we were all in MASSOB together with the aim of emancipation our people until the former leader Ralph Uwazurike derailed and thanked Madu for redirecting the group to its original course”.

    The IPOB leader thanked God that he was lucky not to have stayed as many years in Kuje Prison as Uchenna Madu who spent over five years in various Prisons in the course of the struggle.

    In his remarks, the MASSOB leader, Madu thanked God for granting Kanu freedom and commended him for his “consistency and selflessness in the struggle for the realization of Biafra the country of their dream.

    Madu also lauded him, on the way he pilots the affairs of IPOB and assured him that the synergy between IPOB and MASSOB would continue in the struggle for the emancipation of people of Biafra.

    The MASOB leader however, advised him to remain focused as the leader and not to make the mistake made by Uwazuruike, saying that “God raised him to lead the struggle after Uwazurike derailed”.

    Madu said, “MASSOB will continue to support you with prayers. MASSOB will continue to identify with IPOB for the good of the struggle”, Madu said.

    Madu was accompanied to the visit by some members of executive committee.

     

  • Kanu: APGA commends FG

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has expressed satisfaction over the release of Mr Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

    Dr Victor Oye, National Chairman of the party told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Monday that the party was happy that the rule of law had been observed on the matter.

    He described the freedom of Kanu as long expected, observing that although the bail conditions were tough, they were fully met.

    “APGA is happy with the bail granted Mr Nnamdi Kanu and his eventual release from prison, this development we must say is long overdue.

    “It is also good that at last rule of law is being observed and it is a step in the right direction.

    “However, we are not comfortable with the bail conditions which the party views as stringent and punitive,’’ he said.

    The APGA chairman decried the rising agitation and tension on the country, insisting that the situation could not be controlled by force but through strict adherence to principles of true federalism.

    He said such agitations might persist in as much as the crucial national questions that gave rise to them remain unaddressed.

    “All we need is justice, equitable distribution of national wealth, implementation of the Federal Character provisions in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    “Once these things are in place, then ethnocentric interests and agitation will be drastically reduced,’’ he said.

    Kanu was arrested in October 2015 over his activities as the anchor of Radio Biafra and had been in prison since then until he regained freedom on April 28 after the conditions of bail granted him were met.

     

  • Senators seek immediate release of Kanu, Dasuki

    Senators seek immediate release of Kanu, Dasuki

    A group of senators pushing for the release of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra,(IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki may have concluded arrangements to invoke relevant Senate rules to compel the Attorney General of the Federation, Mallam Abubakar Malami to  effect  immediate release of the duo.
    Leader of the concerned senators, Chief Mao Ohuabunwa, has already drawn the attention of the Senate to the continued detention Kanu and Dasuki despite court orders asking the Federal Government to free them.
    Senator Godswill Akpabio, had opposed Ohuabunwa’s motion to free Kanu and Dasuki, on the ground  that it was out of order for Ohuabunwa to introduce the motion especially when it had nothing to do with the debate on the appearance of Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali in uniform.
    Ohuabunwa asked the Senate to prevail on the Attorney General of the Federation to advice President Muhammadu Buhari to free both Kanu and Dasuki the same way he(Malami) advised the Customs boss to ignore Senate invitation.
    The Abia North senator told journalists in Abuja that the continued detention of the IPOB leader and  the former NSA despite court orders asking the  Federal Government to free them was a gross violation of the fundamental human rights of the duo .
    He said that some concerned senators who he is privileged to lead have decided to join other Nigerian leaders in asking for the release of Kanu and Dasuki.
    Ohuabunwa said ” I still stand by my prayers last week on the floor of the Senate that the Attorney General of the Federation should advice the president to release Kanu and Dasuki the same way he advised the Customs boss to ignore Senate invitation on the ground that the matter was in court”
    He said that the continued detention of Kanu and Dasuki amounted to disobedience of court orders.
    Ohuabunwa said that he was already discussing the matter with some senators to formally draw the attention of the Senate to the long detention of the duo.
    “We should have respect for rule of law and I support the call for the immediate release of Kanu and Dasuki.
  • Court dismisses Kanu’s application

    Court dismisses Kanu’s application

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, has dismissed the application of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, seeking for stay of proceedings pending determination of his appeal.

    Kanu had approached the appellate court challenging the earlier decision of the court which upheld the prosecution’s request to shield their witnesses from members of the public during trial.

    The judge, Justice John Tsoho, held that the application for stay of proceedings lacked merit and ordered that the trial would proceed in the mode earlier directed by the court.

    Kanu and his co-defendants are standing trial on a six-count charge of treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms and other offences bordering on their agitation for secession ‎of the Republic of Biafra from Nigeria.

    Tsoho relied on provisions of Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which prohibits courts from entertaining a motion for stay of proceedings with respect to criminal cases.

     

    Contrary to the contention by Kanu’s lawyer, Chuks Muoma (SAN), Tsoho held that the provision of Section 306 of ACJA could not deny an accused person fair hearing.

    The judge held that the provision of the ACJA was to enhance the right to speedy trial guaranteed an accused person in the constitution.

    “Section 306 of ACJA removes hitches to speedy trial which is component of fair hearing,’’ Tsoho held.

    The judge also distinguished the trial of the Biafra agitators from that of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.

    In Saraki’s case, the Supreme Court last year, after the advent of the ACJA, granted ‎an order for stay of proceedings in his trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

    Tsoho held that the prevailing circumstances informing the decision of the Supreme Court to grant stay of proceedings in Saraki’s case was not available in the instant case.

    He said in Saraki’s case the issue of whether the cases entertained by the CCT were criminal in nature or not was still to be determined by the Supreme Court was not available in the case before him.

    ‎He explained that it was not in doubt that the Federal High Court had jurisdiction to hear criminal cases.

    “It is moreso, given that the application for stay of proceedings is not founded on lack of intrinsic jurisdiction of this court but on mode of procedure to be adopted in the trial.’’

    The court after dismissing the application held that the trial would proceed in the mode he had earlier directed on March 7 which was to shield them from the public but not to wear masks.

    The case was adjourned till June 20 to June 23 for trial.

  • Court denies Kanu, others bail

    Court denies Kanu, others bail

    A Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday dismissed the bail application of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPB) and founder, Radio Biafra.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi charged along with Kanu were also denied bail.

    Delivering ruling, Justice John Tsoho held that the applicants failed to meet up with the requirements to be admitted on bail.

    “The application is hereby refused and the applicants are ordered to be remanded in Kuje prison pending the determination of the case,’’ Tsoho held.

    Specifically, the judge held that the bail was refused because of the nature of the alleged crime against the accused persons – treasonable felony, conspiracy and possession of unlawful fire-arm.

    Tsoho said that, if granted bail, there was higher propensity for the applicants to continue with the agitation for the actualisation of the State of Biafra.

    “The contention between the prosecution and the defendants hinges on the un-disclaimed readiness of Kanu and his group to continue with their agitation and the mandate of the Federal Government to maintain law and order.

    “The court is therefore, inclined to believing that the applicants are prepared to stir unrest as submitted by the prosecution.

    “The first applicant (Kanu) is said to have a dual citizenship, being a citizen of Nigeria and Britain.

    “This dual status widens probability to escape from justice,’’ he held.

    Tsoho further said that in line with the provisions of Sections 162 and 168 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) applicant for bail shall fulfill some criteria.

    “These criteria include, but not limited to; the nature of charge, security of listed witnesses, pending criminal record of applicant, probability of applicant of not surrendering himself for trial and punishment allotted to crime committed.

    “From the addresses before me, it is clear that the applicants have failed to dispel the fears raised by the prosecution team.

    “The prosecution has urged the court to take judicial notice of the veracity of the charge and the life punishment the treason allegation attracts,’’ Tsoho said.

    The Judge also held that it was wrong for the defendant counsel to insinuate that the ACJA makes granting of bail mandatory.

    The Judge adjourned till Feb. 9 to Feb. 12 for definite trial.

    Speaking to newsmen after the session, Chief Chucks Muoma (SAN), counsel to the applicants said the decision would be appealed.