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Tag: IPOB members

  • JSF arrests pastor preparing charms for IPOB members in Anambra

    JSF arrests pastor preparing charms for IPOB members in Anambra

    The Joint Security Forces in Anambra State has arrested a pastor, allegedly preparing charms for members of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) and another terrorising Uga, Ekwulobia and other communities in Anambra State

    The hoodlums, according to the police command, are also involved in car snatching, kidnapping and armed robbery in the entire Aguata Local Government Areas of the state.

    Other communities said to be the catchment areas of the suspects include Umuchu, Nkpologwu and Ezinifite axis.

    Read Also; How bandits, terrorists dominate TikTok, flaunt ransom collected from victims

    The operation was carried out by the police, the military, the Civil Defence and other security outfits.

    In a statement issued by the police command’s spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, the arrested two notorious secessionist group members were involved in kidnapping, car snatching and armed robbery, operating at uga, Ekwulobia, Umuchu, Nkpologu, Ezinifite and Aguata environs.

    “Among the two suspects, names withheld, one has bullet wounds on his leg while the other, a fake pastor preparing criminal charms for the gang members has confessed to the crime and is already assisting the police in apprehending other gang members.

    “The suspects have also provided information on the location of the shrine where they prepare the charms and some snatched vehicles.

    “The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam,  has assured Ndi Anambra that the Command is working tirelessly on all reported cases, especially incidents of kidnap, armed robbery and otherwise, as the trust reposed in us for the protection of life and properties is not taken for granted,” the PPRO wrote.

  • Police arrest IPOB members, rescue kidnapped lawyers

    Soldiers attached to Goodluck Jonathan Army Barracks, 14Brigade Ohafia, Abia State, have reportedly arrested five members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Aba, the commercial nerve of the state. Information gathered by our reporter has it that the IPOB members were said to be part of the pro-Biafra group that disrupted church service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Abayi, Ariaria in Osisioma Local Government Area on Sunday, January 27.

    Similarly, personnel of Sector 2, Sub sector Charlie also rescued two lawyers; Barrister Loveth Nonye Ofoegbu and Barrister Kaodi Onuoha who were reportedly kidnapped along Owerrinta in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government of the state. The soldiers were said to have started stop and search operation in the area when they got information of the kidnap and on sensing danger, abandoned their victims and made away to a nearby bush.

    Reports say the atmosphere in the church got charged when some of the IPOB members who were also at the church, prevented a politician from the ruling PDP in the state from addressing the church. Sources at the venue stated that attempts by the presiding priest, Reverend Father Nathaniel Oyedike, to restore peace failed as members of the group and some parishioners joined in signing and chanting pro-IPOB songs which brought the service to a close abruptly.

    It was gathered that the parishioners and IPOB members who insisted that they would rather have a referendum than being part of the 2019 election in the state and other southeast states stormed outside the church and in the process, damaging all the glasses of a PDP branded Sienna bearing the picture of the incumbent Senator representing Abia Central and former Governor of the State, Theodore Ahamefule Orji.

    Confirming the arrest of the IPOB members, a source from 14Brigade disclosed that the pro-Biafra members were arrested by troops of Sub sector Bravo in conjunction with the personnel of Nigerian police, Abia State Command that moved to the area and effectively salvaged the situation. “At the scene, it was reported that IPOB members were shouting no elections in Biafra land and also attempted to beat the pastor; Reverend Father Nathaniel Oyedike. A vehicle and some chairs were reportedly damaged in/within the church premises.”

  • Soldiers arrest five IPOB members

    Soldiers attached to Goodluck Jonathan Army Barracks, 14Brigade Ohafia, Abia State, have reportedly arrested five members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Aba, the commercial centre of the state.

    A source told our reporter that the IPOB members were part of the pro-Biafra group that disrupted service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Abayi, Ariaria in Osisioma Local Government on January 27.

    Read also: Lagos Assembly insists Ambode must appear before it over ‘infractions’

    Confirming the arrest, a source from 14Brigade disclosed that the pro-Biafra members were arrested by troops of Subsector Bravo in conjunction with the personnel of Nigeria Police, Abia State Command, who moved to the area and salvaged the situation.

  • Police arrest 51 suspected IPOB members  

    The police in Abia State yesterday arrested 51 persons suspected to be members of proscribed  Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB), but operating as members of “Judaism’’, in Umuahia.

    Spokesman Geoffrey Ogbonna confirmed the arrest in a phone interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia.

    Ogbonna, a Superintendent of Police, said  the suspects were arrested for allegedly being in possession of insignias of the outlawed IPOB.

    He said the suspects comprised 41 men and 10 women, adding that they would be arraigned at the end of the investigation.

    NAN reports that the suspects held a procession on major streets of Umuahia, carrying placards with inscriptions written in Jewish language.

    They were intercepted by a team of anti-riot policemen, who shot teargas canisters in their attempt to disperse the procession.

    The development caused stampede at Isigate market, as traders, shop owners, passers-by and motorists ran in different directions for safety.

    The suspects, who were dressed in religious white attires with small caps, similar to those of the Jews, began the procession from Afaraukwu community, where the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, hails from, but were dispersed at Isigate.

    One of the members, who identified himself as Israel el-Ibe, told reporters that the procession was organised to “publicly demonstrate our desire to be allowed to have a Jewish state of our own in Biafra land because we are Jews in Biafra land.”

    Reacting to the development, the Chief Imam of Abia, Sheik Ali Ukaiwo, decried the procession, describing it as ill-timed and capable of threatening the existing peace in the state.

    He said: “It is bad, ill-timed and uncalled for, especially at a time like this, when most communities hold traditional marriages and festivals.”

    Ukaiwo warned residents to shun actions that could be perceived by security agencies as “constituting a breach of the public peace during this period’’.

  • IPOB: FG commences separate trial of Kanu’s co-defendants

    The Federal Government Tuesday commenced the trial of four men earlier charged with the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu on offence of treasonable felony.

    The four, some of who are IPOB members – Bright Chimezie, Chidiebere Onwidiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi – were yesterday arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja on a three-count amended charge.

    Upon request by parties, the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako agreed to a separate trial of the four owing to the sudden disappearance of Kanu, who was earlier listed as first defendant in the old charge.

    At their arraignment yesterday, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the amended charge, following which the prosecution lawyer, Shuiabu Labaran sought a brief adjournment to enable him open his case.

    Defence lawyers objected to a brief adjournment. The lawyers said they were served with the amended charge the previous day and required sufficient time to consult with their clients.

    They also sought the transfer of the clients from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to Kuje prison, Abuja.

    Ruling, Justice Nyako allowed the defence lawyers one hour to discuss with the clients in court. She said the trial will not be secret one as being misinterpreted, but that it was only the identity of witnesses that will be protected from the public.

    The judge adjourned to Thursday for the prosecution to open its case.

    The three counts, to which Chimezie, Onwidiwe, Madubugwu and Nwawuisi pleaded, read:

    “That you, Bright Chimezie, Chidiebere Onwidiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi and Nnamdi Kanu (at large),  in 2014 and 2015, in Nigeria and London, conspired to broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu and other areas within the jurisdiction of the court, 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 constitute same into a Republic of Biafra, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C77 of 2004.

    “That you, Bright Chimezie and one Nnamdi Kanu, now at large, between March and April, 2015, imported into Nigeria and kept in Ubulusiuzor in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, within the jurisdiction of the court, a radio transmitter known as TRAM 50L, concealed in a container of used household items, which you declared as used household items, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 47 (2) (a) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C77 of 2004.

    “That you, Benjamin Madubugwu sometimes in October 2015, had in your possession, in your house at Ubulusiuzor in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, one Emerald Magnum Pump Action gun and one Delta Magnum Pump Action gun as well as 41 catridges/ammunition without lawful authority or license, an offence contrary to Section 27c (b) (1) of firearms Act, Act.  F28 of the laws of Nigeria.

    Read Also: IPOB appeals proscription order

  • Court orders detention of 60 IPOB members

    Court orders detention of 60 IPOB members

    A Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, has ordered the detention of 60 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at the Afara Federal Prisons on Aba Road.

    The Nation gathered that the magistrate gave the order when their lawyer challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter, following the reading of the charges against them.

    The magistrate, who directed that the case file be transferred to the Department for Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice, adjourned the matter till October 25 for compliance and possible transfer to a High Court.

    By law, a high court has the jurisdiction to entertain the charges against the suspects.

    The IPOB members were among those arrested by security agents in Umuahia, Isiala Ngwa and other parts of the state capital during the clash between the Army and members of the separatist group.

    Police spokesman Geoffrey Ogbonna, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the IPOB members were arraigned on eight-count charges of conspiracy, terrorism, attempted murder, unlawful society and rioting.

    A chief magistrates’ court sitting in Aba North Local Government Area, presided over by Ogbonna Adiele, had ordered the remand of seven suspected IPOB members at the Aba Prison for a similar crime.

    The trial judge ordered that the case file be transferred to the DPP for advice.

    The matter will come up on September 27 for compliance to the court’s directives.

     

  • No arrest of IPOB members, Police declare in Anambra

    No arrest of IPOB members, Police declare in Anambra

    …IPOB raises alarm over alleged plot to kill members by FG

     

    The Anambra State Police Command Friday declared that no arrest of members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been made in the state.

    The State Police Public Relation’s Officer (PPRO), Princess Nkeiruka Nwode, told The Nation Friday  in Awka that the command had no problem with IPOB members since after the proscription.

    She said Friday members of the group had been peaceful and going about their normal businesses including the residents in the state.

    Meanwhile, members of the group had been hiding since the proscription in the state, while the sales of IPOB insignia, flags among others are no longer being displayed at public places.

    However, the group yesterday raised the alarm that the federal government was planning another round of massacre against the members.

    This was contained in a statement yesterday in Awka which was sent to reporters by Emma Powerful, Media and Publicity Secretary for IPOB.

    According to the statement, “We the family of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) worldwide under the command and leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu wish to urgently draw the attention of the civilized world to the dastardly plot being perfected by Nigeria against peaceful unarmed members of IPOB residing in Biafra land in the next few weeks”

    “IPOB Intelligence Unit has uncovered elaborate plans by the government to incriminate IPOB members in order to justify their controversial and unpopular proscription of IPOB with the attending laughable tag of terrorist organization against a world recognized peaceful movement”

    “The government has resolved to commence another round of their periodic genocide of innocent civilians across South East and South-South, within the next few weeks under the cover that IPOB is a terrorist organization”

    “They have concluded plans to kill as many people as possible. They want to spread terror, intimidation and instill fear in the minds of those that will survive this massacre and cause our people to renounce or abandon their legitimate quest for freedom”

    “The plan is to bring the people of old Eastern Region to submission before 2019 presidential elections’

    “In the meeting where they concluded this devilish line of action, they boasted that they have succeeded in bringing some South East and South-South politicians, especially South East governors under their control, what was left for them was to complete the conquest and subjugation of entire Biafraland and the youths”

    “It is presently clear that a special squad has been trained to spearhead and carry this plot to the letter. The plan is to trigger an ethno-religious crisis of immense proportion as a prelude to unleashing what they termed the final solution to the Igbo question in Nigeria” IPOB said.

    Meanwhile, one of the Igbo leaders and the Founder of Ogilisi Foundation, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, has called on governors of South East states to take a more holistic approach towards ending the spate of agitation for Biafra.

    He told reporters Friday in Oba, Idemili South council of Anambra that the decision of the governors to proscribe IPOB was hasty and may not lead to the end of activities of Biafra agitators.

    He attributed the perennial call for actualization of Biafra to the yearnings of the souls who died during war for proper burial.

    The spiritual leader, who lauded the unity among the governors, urged them to unanimously decide on how the souls of those who lost their lives during the civil war between 1967-1970 and related struggle would be reburied and appeased.

    Ezeonwuka said only such a befitting burial and memorial would appease the Biafran Spirit, which had taken over minds of most youths across the South East and South South regions.

    He said it was a popular practice among countries in the world to remember the souls that were lost during wars and natural disasters.

    “But the governors have not done enough research in it before their decision to proscribe the IPOB, there is a spiritual aspect of what is going on, the souls that died during the war are still hovering because they have not been recognized and buried”

    “As a spiritual person, I can tell you that those souls that were lost are still alive, they have possessed our youths that is why they are calling for Biafra even at the risk of their lives”

  • Anambra to prosecute arrested IPOB members

    Anambra to prosecute arrested IPOB members

    The police in Anambra State yesterday warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) not to dare them.

    Commissioner of Police Garba BabaUmar told reporters  that the police would no longer allow miscreants take over the society.

    Umar said: “Following the proscription of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by the Federal Government, the Anambra State Police Command has taken steps to enforce the ban on all IPOB activities in the State.

    “Any person/persons involved in the activities of this proscribed group will be arrested and charged to court. Let me give a concise definition of terrorism as ‘the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate, coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment in order to seriously destabilise or destroy the fundamental political, constitutional, economic or social structure of a country.

    “The Terrorism (prevention) Act 2013, as amended, provides minimum punishment of 20 years and maximum of death sentence, depending on the offence.

    “Meanwhile, Section 37 sub section (1) Criminal Code Act, Cap 77 provides that ‘any person who wages war against the State, in order to intimidate or coerce the President or state governor, is guilty of treason and is liable on conviction to be sentenced to death.

    “Therefore, I enjoin the general public to know that participating in the activities of this group is illegal and would amount to treasonable felony.

    “I want to warn the general populace to desist from aiding and abetting members of this group. They should provide useful information to the police to help us arrest fleeing members of this outlawed organisation.

    “The Command also wishes to reiterate that any act of Terrorism is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of motivation. The Command urges the good people of Anambra to come together to sustain the existing peace in the state.”

    “On our part, as a law enforcement agency, we shall continue to safeguard the lives and property of all citizens in the state, in line with the vision of IGP Ibrahim K. Idris.”

    “The Command is indeed most grateful to the Anambra State Government, Ndi-Anambra for their support”

    “I want to appeal to parents and guardians to warn their children and wards to steer away from this group. Together we can make Anambra remain the safest state in the Country,” Umar said.

     

  • Seven ‘IPOB members’ in prison

    Seven ‘IPOB members’ in prison

    An Aba North Chief Magistrate’s Court presided over by Ogbonna Adiele yesterday ordered that seven suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) be remanded in Aba prison.

    They were brought before it in connection with the burning of the Ariaria Police Divisional Headquarters in Aba, Abia State.

    The trial magistrate, after listening to the argument of counsel to 1st, 2nd and 6th accused persons, Charles Onuchukwu, challenging the powers of the court to assume jurisdiction over the matter which bothered on murder and terrorism, ordered that the accused persons be remanded.

    The suspected IPOB members identified as Chinonso Ude (30), Maduabuchi Echereodo (25), Ugochukwu Ikechukwu (32), Okechukwu Daniel (20), Ifeanyi Sunday (33), Okezie Jeremiah (26), Chizuruoke Nwauzo (27) were, according to the charge sheet, arraigned on 12 count.

    Police Prosecutor Gabriel Nnamdi Ogbonna told the court that the accused persons were responsible for the death of one Assistant Superintendent of Police; Cyril Nwosu attached to Ariaria Police Division as a Station Officer when they allegedly attacked the police facility, unlawfully burning of exhibit vehicles, stealing of Police properties, including unserviceable pump action guns, carting away of motorcycles, unlawful assembly, being members of proscribed IPOB, burning of police facility, being in possession and use of offensive weapons and explosives etc.

    The matter was adjourned to September 27 for compliance after the trial magistrate ordered the prosecutor to transfer the case file to the Department of Public Prosecutio for advice.

    The police on Saturday paraded the suspects in Aba.

     

  • Police arrest two over killings in Asaba

    Police arrest two over killings in Asaba

    The Delta State Police Command said it has arrested two suspected IPOB members for complicity in the murder of four persons.

    It identified the two suspects as Abraham Ndudi 24 years from Kwale in Delta and Okereke Ifeanyi 21 years old from Ogbaru, Anambra State.

    It will be recalled that Friday 15th three armed men in black outfits, suspected to be members of  the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) fired indiscriminately into Abraka market, Asaba, predominantly inhabited by non-indigenes of the state and in the process killed four persons, while injuring many.

    In a signed press statement by Police image maker, DSP Andrew Aniamaka made available to The Nation Saturday, it said the police were on the trail of a third suspect simply known as “Last Burial”.

    Aniamaka said the suspects were arrested from their hiding place in the rafters of a major hotel in Abraka area in Asaba-the Delta State Capital.

    Excerpts of the statement reads, “The Delta Police Command has in the early hours of Saturday, 16th September, 2017 arrested two suspects namely: Abraham Ndudi ‘m’, 24 years old from Kwale, Delta State and Okereke Ifeanyi ‘m’, 21 yrs from Ogbaru in Anambra State for their involvement in the dastardly shooting and killing of four persons at Abraka market, Asaba yesterday, Friday, September 15th, 2017 at about 10.45pm. The suspects, who were arrested from their hiding place on the ceiling of a major hotel in Abraka, Asaba, where they had fled into in their dire bid to escape arrest, are already helping the police in their investigation. Meanwhile, efforts are on top gear to arrest the third suspect, whose real name is yet unknown but simply identified as Last Burial”.

    The statement named those killed as Usman Abdullahi ‘m’, aged 45yrs, Ali Sidi ‘m’, aged 70yrs, Ibrahim Zubairu’m’ aged 30yrs and Hauwa (surname unknown), aged 22yrs.

    It said five injured victims are currently recuperating at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba

    The statement urged the public not “to panic or even contemplate any reprisal action as the law will surely take its course’.