The Nation Newspaper

Tag: IPOB

  • IPOB issues sit-at-home order as Buhari visits Abia

    The leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Monday evening asked all the members of group within the Aba metropolis to observe a mini sit-at-home ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the city.

    A release by the spokesman of the group, Emma Powerful, asked IPOB members to be indoors from 6am till 4pm.

    Powerful, while warning its members to stay away from any political activity on Tuesday, said their desire was to ensure a total boycott of Buhari’s campaign with the hope he (Buhari) would meet an empty stadium.

    Meanwhile, our reporter who monitored the mood of the town Monday evening, reports that security has been beefed-up within the commercial city.

    Read also: Lagos Assembly summons Ambode over 2019 budget

    Sources from various security agencies stated that the President would use the opportunity of his visit to commission the Ariaria International power project of the federal government executed through the Rural Electrification Agency before addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress(APC).

    Security as at Monday evening has been beefed up around the Ariaria Power project with the Ariaria International Market expected to be shut for commercial and business activities as a mark of respect for the visit of the president.

    The commissioner of Police and heads of various security agencies, were said to have arrived Aba Monday afternoon to put finishing touches to security arrangements.

    Reacting on the press release by the IPOB leadership, a head of one of the security agencies in the state, who preferred anonymity urged members of the public to disregard IPOB’s order to go about their lawful duties.

    He warned any group of persons who tries to disrupt the peace in Aba to rethink their actions as they would not watch anyone cause breach of peace in the state and Aba in particular.

  • IPOB insists on boycott of 2019 polls

    The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Monday reaffirmed its resolve to boycott next month’s election.

    A statement issued by the group’s media and publicity secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful said the IPOB “ably led by our supreme leader and prophet of our time Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will stand on the decision of election boycott in Biafraland on the 16th of February 2019”.

    The statement insists: “The boycott of presidential election next month will showcase our readiness, determination and seriousness in the pursuit for Biafra freedom and sovereignty.

    “It is important we notify our people mostly politicians, clergymen and women including pastors who strongly believe in rebuilding one Nigeria to retrace their steps because Nigeria Government and it’s leadership has been hijacked by Fulani people.

    “Fulanis are parasites and stranger in Nigeria today but unfortunate that they control over 200 million Indigenous Population because of British support to them.

    “Our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu during his weekly radio Biafra broadcast from the holy land of Israel on Saturday evening reaffirmed strongly to the people and gullible Nigerians who still doubt our stand towards boycotting the forthcoming presidential election next month.

    “It is crystal clear that one of our major lethal weapons to achieve this present Biafra demand is civil disobedience, therefore we urge Biafrans, both home and abroad to advise and caution their families not to vote and totally boycott this coming election no matter the level of promises and inducement politicians of this days might have given them.

    “In few days to come IPOB high command will release a blueprint and how this election boycott will be achieved and it’s benefit to Biafrans, IPOB will evoke high level of civil disobedience next month to make it effective so as Biafrans will realize how much determined we are.

    “Federal Government of Nigeria, South East governors mostly Okezie Ikpeazu, David Umahi and Willie Obiano including Ohaneze Ndigbo led by Nnia Nwodo conspired and brought in operation python dance to frighten our people to trigger panic, apprehension and fear in the minds of Biafrans who believe in Biafra restoration project. IPOB will inevitably bring those governors and few Abuja/Lagos based politicians who believe in serving Hausa Fulani caliphate to account in no distant time.

    Read Also: Ohanaeze, others flay IPOB attacks on Ikpeazu, Umahi

    “It is in the light of this recent distortion, twist and adulterated truth and propaganda against IPOB decision by unscrupulous individuals, groups and politicians in our land that prompted our supreme leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to come on air last week Saturday to state unequivocally without mincing words the position of IPOB in Abia and Ebonyi states gubernatorial elections come next month. Okezie Ikpeazu and David Umahi who unbeknown to most people has donated a portion of our sacred land of Biafra to Miyetti Allah cannot support Operation Python Dance and expect the people not to revolt accordingly. IPOB is at the front of this coming revolution next month.

    “The potency of our agitation for Biafra will be made clear for all to see. We remain unwavering and determined as ever to bring this divine and ordained mission to its successful conclusion.

    “Our freedom is paramount therefore ongoing politically motivated abductions, high levels of humiliation, intimidation, abduction, arrest, massacre and sponsored propaganda against a peaceful group like IPOB will not shake our resolve, instead it will make us stronger.“

  • Ohanaeze, others flay IPOB attacks on Ikpeazu, Umahi

    Ohanaeze Youth Council and a coalition of Igbo groups on Monday condemned the verbal attacks on governors of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu and his Ebonyi State counterpart, David Umahi by members of the opposition parties and the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

    IPOB leader, Nnamdi KANU, had said in his recent broadcast that Abia and Ebonyi people should vote out Ikpeazu and Umah, claiming that they are sabotaging their agitation.

    The groups described their actions as unacceptable and laughable.

    National President of OYC, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, after their meetings in Abakaliki, said Kanu has derailed from his Biafra agitation and should not be listened to.

    He urged Kanu to concentrate on the no-election campaign and leave Ikpeazu and Umahi alone to concentrate on their quest to reposition their different states.

    In a statement, he said: “The coalition of Igbo groups; namely World Igbo Youth Congress, Southeast Women Professionals and Igbo Students Movement had met with the Forum of BibeingaAgitators and resolved that the attack was laughable.

    “It is laughable that Kanu is derailing from his Biafra agitation and now being sponsored by politicians to cause confusion and pursuing campaign of calumny against those who mean well for him.”

    The coalition expressed concern at the outburst, asking why the IPOB members did not register to obtain their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), despite that they were advised to do so.

    Read Also: Stronger, more focused Ohanaeze Ndigbo emerging, says Nwodo

    Isiguzoro urged the IPOB to emulate the maturity and non-violence approach of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), led by Uchenna Madu.

    It lauded the group, which had expressed willingness to allow INEC to conduct election in the southeast, and also ensure that there is no bloodshed during the ongoing Operation Python Dance111.

    On Adams Oshiomhole’s allegations that Ikpeazu has been collecting bailout funds without paying salaries, it said: “We are shocked because our members who are Abia workers are paid as at when due, while no Abia or Ebonyi worker is being owed.”

    “We unanimously state that zoning formula favours Ikpeazu and Umahi. The opposition parties in Abia and Ebonyi know that their candidates cannot win in these states, because there are no vacancies to be filled in the two Government Houses till 2023.”

  • Court grants 51 Jewish adherents bail

    A High Court sitting in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, has reportedly granted bail to 51 Jewish adherents arrested and detained while holding a peaceful protest.

    The State Command of Nigerian Police Force had arrested, detained and arraigned the Jewish worshippers before a Chief Magistrate Court in Umuahia North Local Government Area which stated that it doesn’t have the jurisdiction to hear the matter.

    The detainees, which included ten women and several elderly men, were charged and remanded for professing membership of IPOB and engaging in a public procession the authorities termed a terrorist act.

    In the 51 separate bail applications filed by their Counsels, Barristers Aloy Ejimakor, Toni Nwofor and Augustine Ezeokeke, they argued the charges were unknown to law and stated the offenses that the Jewish worshippers were charged with were bailable.

    The High Court, in a special session convened for the purpose of hearing the bail applications by the counsels, heard the applications and granted the detainees bail on the same lenient terms and conditions.

    One of the IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) coordinators in Aba confirmed the news that the Jewish worshippers were granted bail by an Umuahia High Court on Thursday.

    The source, who asked not to be mentioned, said they were making efforts to see how they could meet the bail conditions of the Jewish worshippers.

    The source said no amount of intimidation can stop them from the pursuant of the restoration of the Sovereign State of Biafra, said that the group cannot be vowed.

    According to the source, the efforts of Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, a special Counsel to IPOB, throughout the Christmas period to get the matter quickly set before a court for hearing, paid off as the hearing was convened today specially for the matter, while the Abia judiciary has not fully resumed work.”

  • Police arraign 51 Jewish worshippers in court

    A Magistrate Court sitting in Umuahia, Abia State capital has remanded 51 members of Jewish worshippers after they were arraigned for an alleged act of terrorism.
    One of the suspects identified as Felix and the other suspects were charged to Court by the Commissioner of police in the state Mr. Chris Ezike for committing a felon against the Federal Government.
    The suspects were arrested in Umuahia, on Monday while holding peaceful protest, demanding for a Jewish state of Biafra.
    The police prosecutor Adeyimi Olukoye in a two count charged accused the suspects of committing a felony.
    “That you Ibe Felix and 50 others on monday December 11, 2018, at the Isi-gate by cooperative junction in Umuahia magistratial district did conspire among yourselves to commit a Felony, an act of terrorism and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 17(a) of terrorism prevention amendment act 2013, as applicable in Abia State.

    Read Also: Police uncover ‘illegal’ drug factory in Lagos

    “On the same day and place being members of the Indigenous people of Biafra and in furtherance to your act of terrorism moved in procession, displaying IPOB flags, Jewish flags and banners with the inscriptions “All we need is Jewish state of Biafra”, which may seriously damage the image of the Federal republic of Nigeria and thereby committed an offense punishable under section 2(2)a of the terrorism prevention amendment act 2013, as applicable in Abia State,” he stated.
    In his ruling the presiding magistrate Mr. Idika kalu said the court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case.
    Kalu referred the case file to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) under the Attorney General of the state.
    He directed that the suspects can apply for bail in the state High Court and report back to the court in respect to the compliance to his directive on January 24, 2019.
    Counsel to the accused persons, Mr. Anthony Nwaoffor berated the police for arraigning the suspects before the magistrate court knowing fully well that it lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case.
    Nwaoofor said he would apply for bail for the suspects at the High court and report the outcome to the magistrate Court as directed by the presiding magistrate.

  • Police arrests 37 suspected members of IPOB in Umuahia

    Abia State Command of Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in collaboration with other sister security agencies in the state on Tuesday hold a Joint Show of Force (JSF) operation in major cities of the state.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Chris Ezike in a telephone interview told our reporter that the command arrested thirty seven members of outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Umuahia, the state capital who he said dressed in Jewish robe while they joined their counterparts in the state to observe the group’s planned 10million march protest of the group.

    Ezike added that the personnel of the command also recovered Israelie and Biafra insignia from the IPOB members. This is even as he stated the law will soon take its cause after they have profiled members of the outlawed group.

    Information gathered by our reporter has it that the protesters trooped out in their thousands and began the peaceful protest around 10:00am from the Hotel Damgrate axis of Library Avenue (Bank Road); some distance from the home of the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

    The protesters comprising men, women and children were said to be chanting songs in Hebrew language, singing pro -Biafra songs, waving Biafra and Israeli flags as they marched the streets of Umuahia.

    The protest, which was said to be peaceful turned bad when the protesters who were heading towards the popular Isi-Gate were intercepted and ordered to a halt at the Okpara Square by heavily armed policemen in over four pick -up vans intercepted the protesters and ordered them to halt the movement.

    The security men were said to have allegedly started firing teargas canisters to disperse the protesters which resulted to chaos in the area as traders and passersby scamper for safety.

    Unconfirmed report has it that a resident of Umuahia believed to be an asthmatic patient in the area who inhaled the teargas slumped but was however rushed out of the scene with the help of a commercial tricyclist that reportedly took the victim to an undisclosed hospital.

    Read Also: 34 suspected IPOB members arrested

    Our reporter who also monitored the march in Aba where the IPOB were said to have high followership reports that security agencies including Army, Civil Defence, regular police and tactical commanders of Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) as early as 7am moved in a convoy round major streets of Aba.

    Areas covered by the team include Ariaria market, Azikiwe road, Faulks road, Aba-Owerri road, Port Harcourt road among others.

    A senior Police officer in Aba Area Command who spoke on anonymity told our reporter that no arrest was made in Aba as there were no IPOB or Jewish protesters on the streets of Aba.

    The source while urging Aba residents to go about their business without fear of molestation, added that the police and other sister agencies were committed in making sure that there was peace and security of lives and property in the commercial town during and after the festive period.

    In a related development, the leadership of IPOB who gave the number of the arrested members as fifty four (54) frowned at what it described as incessant arrest of the Jewish worshippers and IPOB members by security agents in the state.

    IPOB in a release signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful threatened that they were going to notify Jewish Community all over the world about the deliberate attempt by security agencies in Nigeria and Abia State in particular to clampdown on members of the religious faith who were even peaceful while exercising their fundamental human rights.

    “We are warning Abia state police commissioner to release them, the 54 innocent citizens of Biafra who were doing peaceful evangelism in Umuahia for Biafra freedom. We blame Okezie Ikpeazu and Abia police commissioner the damage this action may cause in Abia state if they fail to release these innocent Jewish worshipers exercising their rights. Okezie Ikpeazu and police commissioner must release those arrested without further delay or they will live to regret what will come upon them soon.

    “IPOB is firmly rooted with peaceful way to restore Biafra and cannot change its resolve to become violent organization because of high handedness Nigeria Government and her security agencies especially police and army officers are using against IPOB members since inception of this peaceful means adopted by our supreme leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. We are calling on Nigeria Police and Army officers to stop this humiliation and harassment forthwith on anybody identified with IPOB family worldwide or face the consequences.

    “We are aware that Abia police commissioner and other security officers in Umuahia Abia state are working hard to please their Hausa Fulani slaves’ masters in Abuja but Hausa Fulani caliphate and their collaborators must deny them at the appropriate time.

    “However, IPOB must not fail to warn police commissioner and Okezie Ikpeazu once again if they fail to release these innocent citizens who committed no crime against anybody or Nigeria state that means they should prepare and wait for IPOB action. We are coming on Nigeria police soon because you cannot continue killing and intimidating innocent and unarmed IPOB faithful and go Scot free.

    “We promise to remain peaceful in every of our approach asking Nigerian government never push IPOB to pick up arms against anybody because it won’t be good to all and sundry in Nigeria,” the statement read

  • IPOB: Police to arraign 33 suspects for terrorism, others

    Thirty-three suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) arrested on Friday during a bloody protest at Nnewi, Anambra State, will be arraigned for terrorism, murder, vandalism and theft, the police said yesterday.

    IPOB members who were on a street protest in the commercial city had a face-off with the police, leading to the death of Inspector Akinbami Olaniyi.

    Two others – a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Babalola Adewunyi, a Chief Superintendent (CSP) and ASP Micheal Duru – were wounded.

    According to the police, the IPOB members also snatched two service AK-47 rifles and a Beretta pistol with ammunition, as they allegedly attacked innocent bystanders with cutlasses.

    In a statement yesterday, police spokesman Jimoh Moshood, an acting Deputy Commissioner (Ag. DCP), said the actions of IPOB members contravened the provisions of Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.

    Moshood said Anambra State Police Commissioner Garba Umar had been directed to carry out intense search operations for the recovery of the two AK-47 rifles and Beretta pistol with the ammunition snatched from the slain Police Inspector and other officers wounded by the proscribed IPOB members.

    He said the police commissioner was also asked to immediately carry out an operation to rout out, arrest other fleeing suspects who participated in the ambush of the police personnel and bring them to justice.

    Moshood listed the names of those in custody as: Uche Amos, 65; Emmanuel Eliazer 24; Chima Eliazer, 23; Abuchi Obeta, 19; Somtochukwu Okafor, 17; Jude Agboma, 35; Ezezona Oduagu; Kelechi Eze, 20; Olisa Okafor, 20; Raphael Ogoh, 27; Chisom Okeke, 19; Daniel Nwakpu, 35; Friday Nwafor, 34; Onyeka Nwajobi, 49 and Obeta Uwakwe, 25.

    Others are: Festus Odika, 41; Emmanuel Okoye, 22; Sunday Umeh, 43; Samuel Ike; Sunday Ilonze, 43; Chukwuemeka Nwaese, 32; Chima Odugu, 23; Jacob Monday, 48; Vincent Okoroafor, 39; Jude Eke, 32; Charles Ukazu, 35; Ernest Ezieokwu, 17; ChibuikeChibuike Ozoemena, 30; Chigozie Onyeogaziri, 46; Donatus Nwankwo, 48; Olisa Okafor, 20; Peter Nwankwo, 25 and Geoffrey Ebegboni, 43.

    The police, he said, recovered eight motorcycles, five IPOB flags and five IPOB caps from the suspects who were chanting “no election without referendum”.

    He said: “The 33 suspects arrested for the killing of the Police Inspector, inflicting injury on others and setting ablaze a police patrol vehicle are now in police custody and undergoing investigation.

    “The Joint Police Intervention Force deployed is carrying out confidence building patrols and crime prevention operations to sustain the peace and normalcy that have been restored and prevent any breakdown of law and order in the affected area and other parts of the state.

    “The Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned with the security implications with regards to the renewed hostilities from the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Anambra State and the new trend of subversive propaganda from the proscribed IPOB members aimed at undermining law and order.

    “The Force, therefore, will not tolerate this and will do everything within the ambit of the law to protect the people, ensure that law and order prevail and bring any perpetrator of violence and mayhem on the people or police personnel to justice.

    “The commissioners of police in states contiguous to Anambra and their supervisory Assistant Inspector Generals of Police (AIGs), their personnel and anti-riot equipment have been placed on red alert by the IGP to ensure utmost safety of lives and properties. They are to deal decisively with any group(s) or individual(s) who attempt or cause disturbance of public peace and public safety in their respective states.

    “The force will not succumb or tolerate criminal activities from any group(s) under any guise to cause disturbance of public peace and unleash mayhem on innocent Nigerians anywhere in the country.

    “All the 33 suspects arrested and now in police custody in connection with the killing of the Police Inspector, wounding of other police personnel and setting ablaze of a police patrol vehicle in Nnewi, Anambra State, on November 23, will be arraigned in court on completion of investigation under Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013.

    “The public are enjoined to report any suspicion, unlawful assembly, and attempt or noticed disturbance of the peace in their locality to the police through the following numbers; 07039194332, 08035078977.

    “The Force is hereby informing the public that IPOB is a proscribed terrorist group and all activities of the group are, therefore, unlawful, illegal and terrorist act.”

  • Police/IPOB clash: IG orders search of ammunition snatched from slain officer

    The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has directed the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Garba Umar to carryout intense search operations for the recovery of ammunitions allegedly snatched from police officers during the Friday protest by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The Force Public relations officer, Jimoh Moshood, disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday while parading the 33 suspects at the police headquarters, Amawbia, Anambra State.

    He said two AK47 rifles and one Beretta Pistol with the ammunition were snatched from the slain Police Inspector and other Police Officers wounded by the proscribed IPOB members.

    He said the IG also asked the CP to immediately carryout an operation to rout-out and arrest other fleeing suspects of the group who participated in the ambush of the Police personnel and bring them to justice.

    He reiterated the force determination in guaranteeing  law and order in the state and to bring perpetrators of violence and mayhem on the people or Police personnel to justice.

    “The Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned with the security implications with regards to the renewed hostilities from the proscribed/unlawful Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Anambra State and the new trend of subversive propaganda from the proscribed IPOB members aimed at undermining law and order in the affected State by the group, their associates, sponsors, apologists and sympathizers.

    “The Force, therefore, will not tolerate this and will do everything within the ambit of the law to protect the people, ensure that law and order prevails and bring any perpetrator of violence and mayhem on the people or Police personnel to justice.

    “The Commissioners of Police in the States contiguous to Anambra State and their supervisory Assistant Inspector Generals of Police, their personnel and Anti-riot equipment have been placed on red-alert by the Inspector General of Police to ensure utmost safety of lives and properties and deal decisively with any group(s) or individual(s) who attempt or cause disturbance of public peace and public safety in their respective States.

    “The Force will continue to ensure adequate safety of lives and property of all Nigerians across the Country based on international core values and best practices and operate within the Principles of Democratic Policing, but will not succumb or tolerate criminal activities from any group(s) under any guise to cause disturbance of public peace and unleash mayhem on innocent Nigerians anywhere in the country.”

    He said all the 33 suspects arrested were now in Police custody in connection with the mayhem and would be arraigned in Court on completion of investigation under Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013.

    “Members of the Public in Nnewi and other parts of Anambra State are hereby implored to go about their lawful businesses without fear or apprehension as adequate security have been put in place for their safety.

    “They are however enjoined to report any suspicion, unlawful assembly, and attempt or noticed disturbance of the peace in their locality to the Police through the following numbers; 07039194332, 08035078977.

    “The Force is hereby informing the public that Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is a proscribed terrorist group and all activities of the group are therefore unlawful, illegal and terrorist act.

    Most of the paraded suspects denied being part of the protest.

    One of them, Evang. Sunday Ilonze said he was surprised to be identified with such acts being “a preacher of the gospel”.

    “I came out from the church and suddenly saw some military officers who immediately arrested me.

    “They were shooting and other traders started running away but I refused to join them because I know I’m innocent and also a law abiding citizen,” he said.

    Another suspect, Vincent Okafor, who also claimed innocence of the charges, said he was beaten up by the police before being arrested.

    He said, “Those who arrested me for what I didn’t do should remember that there is God who will judge everyone.”

  • Two feared dead as IPOB, Police clash in Anambra

    TWO persons were feared dead on Friday when members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, (IPOB) and officers of the Nigerian Police Force, Nnewi Division clashed in Nnewi, Anambra State. The deceased, a police officer and a member of the pro-Biafran group, were reportedly killed during the fracas which occurred at the popular Nkwo Nnewi Market. The Nation gathered that members of the pro-Biafran group, numbering over 2,000, had stormed the market to drive home their ‘no referendum, no 2019 election’ agitation.

    The protesters, who were waiving the Biafran flag, moved round, and asked people in the market not to participate in the elections unless the Federal Government were ready to heed to their demand of conducting referendum. It was gathered that problem began when a team of security operatives arrived the scene in three Hilux vans to stop the protesters. “Members of the group pounced on the police officers and destroyed their vans, leaving two people dead in the process,” an eye witness said.

    The fracas was said to have led to the abrupt closure of the market around 2:30pm as traders were seen scampering for safety. The IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, had earlier in a statement, said members of the group were in the industrial city of the state to express joy over the second coming of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu who was reportedly cited in Jerusalem recently. He said the reappearance of their leader was a clear testimony that the struggle for Biafra actualization was divine.

    “IPOB volunteers marched along all major streets and roads of Biafraland today to register their happiness over the second coming and reappearance of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Jerusalem, the state of Israel last month. The statement read partly, “Our leader’s reappearance in Israel after the Nigerian government and her security forces including the Nigerian Army, Air force and Naval forces invaded his compound at Afaraukwu Ibeku Umuahia in Abia State last year September is clearly an indication to all and sundry that God Almighty is behind the struggle for Biafra liberation. “Biafrans are equally today showcasing to the world that we are ready to boycott every Nigerian elections come 2019 especially presidential election next year.”

  • Minister denies issuing ultimatum to Israel over Kanu

    The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, on Wednesday denied the report that he gave Israel ultimatum over the return of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to Nigeria.
    Kanu, who resurfaced in Israel at the weekend, threatened to unleash hell on Nigerians.
    Briefing State House correspondents, Lai Mohammed said “I was in London when I heard the story about Nnamdi Kanu surfacing in Israel. I was not in a position to make any statement.
    “But before I knew it, within a few hours, I saw my picture with a story saying that I had actually given Israel ultimatum to return Nnamdi Kanu otherwise, we will send them missiles.
    “I just laughed. It speaks to what we are talking about fake news because it is probably the biggest threat in the run-up to the elections.
    “Having said that I have nothing more to add, to the issue of Nnamdi Kanu.”
    He said that the appropriate authorities in the country will speak on the issue at the appropriate time.
    He said “At the appropriate time, the various authorities will make a statement about the issue of Kanu.
    “But this has proven that all along when Kanu disappeared and the mob was asking the Nigerian army to account for the whereabouts of Kanu; I kept saying that Kanu knows where he is.
    “He was not in the custody of the Federal Government. We have been vindicated today. Any other statement will be made in due course.” he said