The Nation Newspaper

Tag: IPOB

  • Ebonyi Reps member begs Tinubu to free IPOB leader Kanu

    The member Representing Ohaozara/Onitsha/Ivo Federal Constituency Nkemkanm Kama has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to free detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

    Kama made the peka on an open letter on Friday.

    He argued Kanu’s release will lead to restoration of peace, stability and economic stability in the southeast.

    “Your Excellency, the beloved father of our great nation, I write to you today as a concerned patriotic Nigerian from the South East region who has lived across the geopolitical zones of the country, being compelled by the weight of destruction and the urgent need to restore peace, stability, and economic prosperity to the South East 

    ” I respectfully and passionately appeal to you our Father, the President of Nigeria,  His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to temper justice with mercy and facilitate the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who has been detained by a court since June 27th 2021, on charges of treason,” Kama wrote

    Kama, while noting that he understands the gravity of the charges against Kanu, however, noted that his appeal stems from the collateral damage accruing from the incarceration and concern for the escalating socio-economic crisis and human sufferings in South East.

    He expressed belief in the leadership of President Tinubu describing him as a beacon of national unity and reconciliation in line with his “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s leadership style attracting opposition politicians, says lawmaker

    He said: “Since the onset of this case, the South East has witnessed heightened tensions, with peaceful calls for his release hijacked and overshadowed by violent attacks from criminal elements who have exploited this detention, through the disruptive, illegal and unpopular Monday Sit-at-Home order. 

    “This has perpetuated violence and intimidation, paralyzing commerce, education, and social life. It has disrupted businesses in thriving hubs like the Main market in Onitsha and Ariaria International market in Aba, eroding the region’s economic vitality. 

    “Worse still, these criminal syndicates have taken advantage of this unrest to promote and propagate other unethical and ungodly practices leading to a surge in kidnappings, killings, and property destruction. 

    “These have inevitably led to companies shutting down, investors fleeing, rising unemployment, creating a climate of fear and instability with many towns now ghosted for fear of being exterminated by these criminals.”

    The lawmaker, quoting media reports, lamented that July 2023 that an estimated N7.6 trillion had been lost in two years due to the crisis in the South East. 

    He further noted thatNnamdi Kanu’s case has inadvertently fueled two opposing forces.

    These include: “The Patriots; Law abiding citizens, including elders, religious leaders, and youths, who seek dialogue and better deals for the South East within the Nigerian federation, advocating for justice and equity through peaceful resolution and constitutional means. 

    “The Traitors; who are criminals and anarchists masquerading as agitators, exploiting the current situation for selfish and criminal gains, sowing discord and perpetuating crimes in our land, using Kanu’s case to legitimise violence, extortion, and terror.” 

  • Appeal Court upholds order proscribing IPOB

    Appeal Court upholds order proscribing IPOB

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja yesterday affirmed the order by Justice Abdu Kafarati of the Federal High Court, Abuja, proscribing the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and designating it a terrorist organisation.

    A three-member panel of the court unanimously agreed with the Federal Government’s counsel, Oyin Koleosho, that the state acted lawfully in proscribing the group.

    In the lead judgment, Justice Hamma Barka resolved all the issues raised for determination against IPOB, declared the appeal unmeritorious and dismissed it.

    He faulted the claim by the appellant, represented by Chukwuma Machukwu Umeh (SAN), that the procedure adopted by the Federal Government in proscribing the group was flawed.

    Justice Barka held that the respondent fully complied with Section 2 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act by adopting the ex-parte proceedings.

    He said: “Such ex parte proceedings, unless tainted, do not constitute any breach of the right to fair hearing of parties before the court.”

    Read Also: Nigerian women key to Africa’s projected $29tn economy by 2050 – Shettima

    Justice Barka adopted the position of the Supreme Court in the case of Dokubo Asari against the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the effect that where national security is threatened or there is the likelihood of it being threatened, human rights or individual rights or those responsible take a second place.

    He added: “Human rights or individual rights must be suspended until national security can be protected or well taken care of. This is not anything new.

    “The corporate existence of Nigeria as a united, harmonious, indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation is certainly greater than any citizen’s liberty or rights

    “While the security of this nation is in jeopardy, and it survives in pieces rather than in peace, individual’s liberty or rights cannot exist.”

    Justice Barka said while the claim by the appellant’s lawyer that the founders of the group had good ideas to achieve could be possible, there is no doubt that IPOB, based on its activities, was infiltrated by hoodlums, operating and surviving on mayhem, which is worrisome and quite evident to all well-meaning Nigerians.

    He noted that since IPOB became known for perpetrating violence, the Federal Government could not be blamed for taking the steps it took to proscribe and designate the group as a terrorist organisation.

    The court found that, as against the claim by the appellant, there was evidence that then President Muhammadu Buhari directed the then Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), to apply for the proscription order in compliance with Section 2(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act.

  • Foundation urged IPOB to lay down arms, embrace dialogue 

    Foundation urged IPOB to lay down arms, embrace dialogue 

    The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has called on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue, drawing parallels to the historic surrender of Biafra to the federal government on January 13, 1970, which ended the Nigerian Civil War.

    In a statement marking the 53rd anniversary of the Biafra surrender, PeacePro’s Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, emphasized the need to honor the peace agreement that prioritized reconciliation and national unity.

    Hamzat, a human rights ambassador, criticized IPOB’s violent approach, stating it contradicts the peaceful resolution adopted by Biafran leaders over five decades ago. 

    He urged IPOB to choose dialogue as a pathway to addressing grievances and fostering national harmony.

    The organisation reminded IPOB that the declaration of “No Victor, No Vanquished” by the Federal Government laid the foundation for rebuilding and reintegration.

    “The continued pursuit of violence by IPOB dishonors the memory of those who chose peace to stop further bloodshed in the South East during the Biafra war,” the statement said.

    It condemned calls for the unconditional release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu without a commitment to peace, describing it as a misguided approach that cannot achieve lasting stability or development.

    “True peace and progress require acknowledgment of mistakes and a change in approach. IPOB’s violent activities have resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and devastated the economy of the Southeast,” the statement noted.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Two soldiers killed in IPOB/ESN attack in Imo, says Army

    The organisation called on IPOB to recognise that sustainable peace is built on non-violent advocacy and peaceful negotiation, aligning with democratic principles and respect for human life. 

    It said that despite the factionalisation of IPOB and attempt by various factions to denounce the other, both factions cannot be exonerated from the crisis in South East, especially with the activities of the unknown gunmen and both factions must unite to take responsibility and work with federal government to end insecurity in the region.

    The organisation therefore urged the federal government to remain committed to inclusive dialogue, justice, and equity, ensuring that grievances are addressed within the framework of national unity.

    “As the country reflects on the lessons of the civil war, PeacePro reaffirmed its resolve to promote peace, demilitarisation, and reconciliation across Nigeria, highlighting that dialogue, not conflict, is the path to a prosperous and united nation,” the statement added. 

  • Three bandits, two police officers killed in Imo shootout

    Three bandits, two police officers killed in Imo shootout

    Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit has killed three suspected members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing Eastern Security Network (ESN) in a shootout.

    But two police officers died in the gunfire.

    The operation, which took place on December 19, this year, in Orogwe, Owerri West Local Government Area, followed extensive investigation and intelligence gathering.

    Police sources said the suspects on sighting the police operatives engaged them in a fierce gun battle, which resulted in the neutralisation of three suspects and arrest of two others.

    Confirming the incident, the police spokesman, Henry Okoye  said two suspects David Ifeanyichukwu (20) and Abuchi Joseph (24) were arrested during the operation that lasted for several hours.

    According to him, the syndicate was responsible for the abduction of one Osuji Caleb Chimereze and three others on November 12, this year, during which they stole a Mercedes Benz and other valuables.

    Read Also: Police recorded 30,313 arrests, recovered 1,984 firearms, others in 2024 – IGP

    “The police operation, which took place on December 19, 2024, in Orogwe, Owerri West Local Government Area, followed extensive investigation and intelligence gathering,” he said.

    He said: “During the confrontation, the operatives recovered six AK-47 rifles, 131 rounds of live ammunition, a local gun, and two stolen vehicles.

    “Unfortunately, two police officers sustained injuries during the exchange of fire and later succumbed to their injuries. The Imo State Police Command mourns their loss and commends their dedication in the line of duty.’’

    He said efforts were focused on capturing the other members of the syndicate who escaped.

    He said the State Police Command was intensifying patrols and security operations in synergy with other security agencies to ensure a hitch-free yuletide.

    “We are committed to ensuring the safety of all residents, especially during the holiday season,” he said, adding: “We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.”

  • Troops neutralise 13 IPOB members, nab 3 kidnappers, recover firearms in S/East

    Troops neutralise 13 IPOB members, nab 3 kidnappers, recover firearms in S/East

    Troops of Joint Task Force South-East, “Operation UDO KA” have neutralised 13 armed members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and nabbed three kidnappers in South-East.

    The Spokesman of the task force,  Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, made this known in a statement on Monday in Enugu.

    He said that the feat was in furtherance of the troops clearance operations to make the South-East safe and peaceful throughout the yuletide.

    Unuakhalu said that the Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, had called on all well-meaning citizens to continue to support the joint task force.

    He said that citizens of the South-East can do this by providing timely, reliable and credible information.

    “Remember, security is everybody’s business. It is not in the hands of security agencies alone.

    “When you see something, say something by calling the JTF Operation UDO KA’s toll free line -193 and press Option 2 – to speak directly to Headquarters Operation UDO KA,” he said.

    On operational details, Unuakhalu said that troops of Sector 1 of the task force on Dec. 21, conducted an ambush operation along Amouka-Umouka Road in 9th Mile, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State to deny kidnappers freedom of action.

    According to him, during the operation, troops came in contact with the kidnappers and in the ensuing firefight, the troops neutralised one while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

    “Items recovered at the scene were: one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 17 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition; two cell-phones; one power-bank; three ATM cards; one wristwatch, bunch of keys and the sum of N8,900,” he said.

    The spokesman also said that on Dec. 16, troops of Sector 5 conducted a clearance operation within Mbosi and Isseke general area in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra where three IPOB members were neutralised.

    “Items recovered included: one AK-47 rifle, two loaded AK-47 magazines and three Dane guns while a house belonging to one of the irredentist commanders and a shrine used for their fortification were destroyed.

    “The gallant troops had earlier recovered five water gel Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and two batteries used for detonating the IEDs while on routine patrol along Roads within Ihiala–Orlu, Lilu, Agba Lilu and Orsumoghu general area in Anambra State.”

    He explained that on Dec. 14, troops acting on credible and reliable information from members of the public arrested three suspected kidnappers at Itungwa in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia.

    He said that on receiving the information about the movement of the suspected kidnappers, troops quickly mounted a snap checkpoint in order to apprehend the suspects.

    “The suspects operating in a stolen tricycle on sighting the troops attempted to make a U- turn but were apprehended.

    “Items recovered included: one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one locally-made single barrel pistol, 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 34 rounds of 5.5mm ammunition, two AK-47 rifle magazines, two G3 rifle magazines and one live cartridge.

    “Other items recovered were: one mobile phone, the sum of N6,600 and two Knapsack bags used for concealing the weapons,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Police kill four IPOB members, five sustain injuries in Imo shootout

    Police kill four IPOB members, five sustain injuries in Imo shootout

    Security forces in Imo State have neutralized four suspected terrorists and arrested five others after a gunfight with individuals believed to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Ezioha, Eziama Autonomous Community, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

    The state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, disclosed on Sunday that the operation also extends to Njaba and other affected areas, emphasizing the government’s dedication to ensuring the safety of all communities in the state.

    He said: “During this operation, security forces successfully neutralized four suspected terrorists and arrested five others following a protracted gunfight with the terrorists.

     “In addition, eight motorcycles, several dangerous weapons including explosive devices, and communication equipment linked to IPOB/ESN members were recovered.

    “The security forces recovered eight motorcycles, several dangerous weapons including explosive devices, and communication equipment linked to IPOB/ESN members.”

    He said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, and Brigadier General U.A. Lawal, Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, commended the professionalism of the joint security operatives.

    “The operation is part of the state’s commitment to safeguarding all its communities, especially during the holiday season,” he said.

  • Alleged terrorism: Court frees 50 defendants accused of being IPOB members

    Alleged terrorism: Court frees 50 defendants accused of being IPOB members

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted 50 individuals charged by the police with terrorism offences on allegation that they were members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

     In a judgment yesterday, Justice James Omotosho held among others, that the Nigerian Police Force (NPF),  failed to establish a prima facie case against the 50 defendants, among whom are four women.

    Justice Omotosho upheld the no-case submission made by lawyers to the defendants and further held  that the prosecution failed to adduce any credible evidence to link the defendants with the offences charged.

     The judge proceeded to strike out  the three-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024 brought against the defendants by the police.

     In the charge dated January 10 but filed on February 9, the defendants were in count one, alleged to have been arrested on or about December 12, 2023, at Umunze Village, Uga Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra by men of the Nigeria Police Force Anambra State Police Command led by CSP Collins Eruogwu, together with local vigilante group acting on credible intelligence.

    Read Also: Scores killed as troops, IPOB/ESN clash in Imo

    They were  accused of assembling  inside a 911 truck with Reg No. XA-139 BDN and engaging themselves in a meeting about and in connection with an act of terrorism.

     The police also accused the defendants  of having with them  48 black caps, 25 red caps and  six orange colour caps designed in IPOB emblem “with various degrees of charms otherwise known as juju, which you admitted to have possessed the spiritual power of disappearing while carrying out your terrorist transaction “

    The prosecution also alleged that their “gathering is for the purpose of promoting illegality in order to terrorise the people of Anambra State, and that you thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under Section 12 of Terrorism g, (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

  • Court frees 50 defendants accused of being IPOB members 

    Court frees 50 defendants accused of being IPOB members 

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted 50 individuals accused of terrorism and alleged membership in the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    In his judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendants, including four women.

    Justice Omotosho upheld the no-case submission made by lawyers to the defendants and further held  that the prosecution failed to adduce any credible evidence to link the defendants with the offences charged.

    The judge proceeded to strike out  the three-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024 brought against the defendants by the police.

    In the charge dated January 10 but filed on February 9 the defendants were, in count one alleged to have, said to have been arrested on or about December 12, 2023, at Umunze Village, Uga Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra by men of the Nigeria Police Force Anambra State Police Command led by CSP Collins Eruogwu, together with Local Vigilante Group, while acting on credible intelligence.

    They wer  accused of assembling  inside 911 truck with Reg No. XA-139 BDN and engaging themselves in a meeting about, and in connection with an act of terrorism.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Court of Appeal acquits Dr. Olaleye of defilement charges

    The police also accused the defendants  of having with them  48 black caps, 25 red caps and  six orange colour caps designed in IPOB emblem “with various degrees of charms otherwise known as juju, which you admitted to have possessed the spiritual power of disappearing while carrying out your terrorist transaction “

    The prosecution also alleged that their “gathering is for the purpose of promoting illegality in other to terrorise the people of Anambra State, and that you thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under Section 12 of Terrorism g, (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. 

  • Scores killed as troops, IPOB/ESN clash in Imo

    Scores killed as troops, IPOB/ESN clash in Imo

    Scores of suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), were reportedly killed during a recent raid by troops in Imo State.

    A statement released via the Nigerian Army Headquarters’ Facebook page on Monday noted that the assault was carried out by troops involved in Operation Udo Ka.

    According to the post, the operation took place along the Ekeututu–Ihiteunansa Road within the Orsu Local Government Area of the state.

    “During the operation, the troops encountered suspected IPOB/ESN members. In the ensuing engagement, several of the suspected criminals were neutralized.

    Read Also: Proscription: Appeal Court reserves judgment in IPOB’s case

    “Captured items included pump-action guns, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and IED-making materials, as well as charms.

    “The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them to sustain their efforts in eliminating criminal elements from their hideouts.

    “He also reassured the peace-loving people of the Southeast to carry on with their daily activities without fear,” the post said.

  • IPOB’s stranglehold on the Southeast

    IPOB’s stranglehold on the Southeast

    SIR: Slowly but fatally, like a boa constrictor, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is strangling the Southeast. It started with the stay-at-home order imposed in 2021. The order which continues to shutter schools, shops and other public places every Monday started off like some joke, but has now stretched for three years, crippling economic activities in the region and casting a thick pall of fear.

    Seeing that state governments in the Southeast and the federal government have failed to exert its authority to check its activities, the IPOB appears to be staking more claims to authority in the region even if legitimacy continues to elude a group bent on breaking the people it supposedly wants to liberate.

    The group recently threatened federal courts in the Southeast over the continued detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. These threats have led to some courts suspending their activities in the region because the judges know very well that their safety could not be guaranteed.

    The implications of this for justice delivery are huge for a sector already struggling to cope with demands.

     Since the IPOB started forcing people to sit at home every Monday, there have been multiple, unprovoked attacks on security personnel and everyday Nigerians in the region.

    The question for the IPOB is: what does it think it is doing? Against whom is it issuing threats and warnings? The same people it wants to liberate from Nigeria? The peace-loving, enthusiastic and entrepreneurial people of the Southeast are not the problem and should be spared the worst effects of the actions of a group long infiltrated by common criminals.

    Read Also: Proscription: Appeal Court reserves judgment in IPOB’s case

     If the group has a bone to pick with Nigeria, then certainly, it should direct its ire to the Abuja which is the seat of government rather than persecute innocent people who are only trying to make ends meet.

     Now is no time for the government to show weakness or indecision. A threat to any part of the country is a threat to all the country. What is happening in the Southeast should not be dismissed as just desserts for the people of the region who have done more than most to keep Nigeria together through 64 chaotic years of independence.

    It is costly enough that the region continues to incur incalculable losses due to the grounding of economic activities and the prevalent atmosphere of insecurity. The fact that the region has not joined the hungry hordes in other regions of the country to protest against the government is a measure of the region’s discretion and restraint even in the most difficult of times.

    While there is the temptation to let the region which once tried to secede from Nigeria stew in its juice, the better approach would be for the federal government to arrest the insecurity threatening to spill out of control in the region by finding practical but prudent solutions. Finding a satisfying solution to the soluble problems in the Southeast would be for of the whole country, which needs everyone and every region to pull in the same direction if it is to fulfil its prodigious potentials.

    • Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com