The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has warned its members to stay at home during the Remembrance Day celebration of their fallen heroes and heroines.
In statement by the Secretary for Media and Publicity, Emma Powerful, IPOB said its intelligence unit had uncovered plans by security agencies to shoot members during the celebrations.
The statement reads: “IPOB wishes to alert Biafrans about the strategies mapped out by security agencies to deal with them during the Remembrance Day celebration of our fallen heroes and heroines.
“Our intelligence unit has uncovered series of meetings between the security agencies and saboteurs. Nevertheless, we call on every Biafran to stay at home that day to avoid falling victims. We don’t want to lose any soul. If you stay at home, they cannot come to your house and bring you out, we warn you.
“We all know that IPOB, under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, doesn’t say something and go back. Therefore, we must remember and honour our fallen heroes and heroines who died for us to live.
“Biafra liberation movement, under Kanu, is a divine project which no man born of a woman can stop unless God says so. This May 30 Remembrance Day/sit at home order will serve a notice to the world, Nigerians, Nigerian Government and her security agencies, that this set of Biafra generation means business.
“In line with this, we expect every Biafra Citizen, home and abroad, to honour our doldiers who died in the battle field; children who starved to death and those who laid down their lives during the war for our existence.
“However, Biafrans and IPOB members outside Biafraland, and those in the Diaspora, must take to the streets in the country of their residence in honour and remembrance of our heroes.”
Tag: IPOB
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IPOB asked members to stay home on Remembrance Day
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Don’t provoke Kanu to talk, IPOB warns
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has warned that nobody should force its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to speak on certain things or address reporters on his bail conditions.
It said some statements by certain people and groups were provocative, and could force Kanu to speak out.
Speaking yesterday, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, warned that no one should take the bail conditions, stripping Kanu of some of his rights, especially his freedom of speech, for granted.
The statement said: “We, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and its leadership, condemn those unscrupulous individuals fabricating letters and stories with the name of our supreme leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who came out of prison a few days ago.
“We warn those behind this calculated campaign of calumny, especially the APC propaganda machine and their affiliates, to stop this despicably act or face the wrath of IPOB.
“Those behind this latest show of shame know that our leader is unable to speak up against some of these fabrications, as he was barred from speaking to the media by Justice Binta Nyako, who imposed unconstitutionally draconian gagging order as part of his bail conditions.
“These people know that our leader cannot grant interviews for now, and it will be appalling for these immoral purveyors of iniquity to issue statements in Kanu’s name without proper consultation.
“Our supreme leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, cannot grant interviews to counter these fabricated letters and stories and so we ask them to stop forthwith because we will not watch while they attempt to tarnish our leader’s reputation.”
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South East Senators, IPOB leader meet in Abuja
…As Ekweremadu raises alarm over alleged plot by EFCC to frame him
The recently released leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu late on Tuesday met with South East Senators.
The meeting held in the Apo Legislative Quarters residence of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, was said to have been used by the IPOB leader to thank the senators for their efforts to secure his release.
A source privy to the meeting said that the senators asked Kanu to endeavour to honour the bail conditions under which he was released by an Abuja Federal High Court on April 28, 2017.
The senators were also said to have assured Kanu that they were working to actualize the three IPOB members still in detention.
He said that the South East senators did not ask Kanu to shelve his agitation for the actualization of the sovereign state of Biafra.
He added that the meeting also stressed the need for unity and development in the South East zone.
The meeting came as Ekweremadu on Wednesday raised the alarm over alleged plot by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to frame him up and arrest him.
Ekweremadu who raised the alarm on the floor of the Senate read an alert letter he received from an unnamed informant.
The informant asked Ekweremadu to “Please treat this with utmost secrecy by protecting the identity of the source.”
A source close to Ekweremadu informed that “We suspect that the EFCC is coming after key members of the South East Senate caucus due to their roles in the release of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mr Nnamdi Kanu.”
He said that members of the South Caucus “met at the private residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu in Abuja on Tuesday night, where they extensively discussed the alleged looming political persecution.”
His listed some of those in attendance at the meeting to include, Kanu, Ekweremadu, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Theodore Orji, Andy Uba, Hope Uzodinma, Gilbert Nnaji, Sam Egwu and Sonni Ugbuoji.
Findings also showed that prior to the release of Kanu on April 28, members of the caucus met on several occasions at Ekweremadu’s Apo residence to strategise on how to get Kanu out of the hook.
It was at one of the meetings that Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe elected to serve as the surety to Kanu.
The source said that “the Presidency may be unhappy over the roles played by Senators, especially Ekweremadu and Abaribe.”
Senator Ekweremadu told the Senate that he was alerted about alleged plot by the EFCC to invade his country home in Enugu and other apartments, under the guise of searching for looted funds and guns.
Ekweremadu read the letter said to have been written to him by an unnamed informant, informing him of EFCC’s plans and alleged plot by the anti-graft agency to “plant arms and ammunition in his apartment during the raid.”
He said that the intention was to label him as a corrupt politician, unfit to hold any public office.
Ekweremadu added that plans have also been concluded by EFCC to use groups to protest in major cities across the country, calling for his resignation and prosecution.
The letter read in part: “Distinguished Senator, there is a grand plan from the cabals in the presidency, using the EFCC as an anti-graft agency to indict and remove you from office. These cabal in the presidency have mandated the EFCC chairman to carry out this evil operation within two weeks.
“On the 6th of May Saturday night 2017/Sunday morning, the EFCC alongside local and international media both print and TV will raid an apartment under the guise of whistle blowing policy of the Federal Government.
“They will come with a search warrant already obtained from a Magistrate Court to search an apartment alleged to be one of your guest houses in Enugu, the state capital or any available apartment in your senatorial district that will serve this evil purpose.
“EFCC is claiming to have received a tip off from a whistle blower in your state alerting the agency of a huge amount of money of different currencies in the said apartment belonging to you, senator Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“They will say that the money is a proceed which is likely to be illegally obtained and acquired, which constitute abuse of office and corruption.
“A huge amount of money with different currencies, such as British pound sterling, US dollars, Indian rupee, South Africa rand, and Malaysian Ringgit will be ‘discovered’.
“Documents alleged to be yours, such as 2015 campaign memo and logistic, a list of names of chairmen of local wards of party men and women that benefited from your empowerment programme and other cooked up documents bearing your signature.
“A single photo portrait of yours will be placed in the sitting room. Ammunition such as AK 47, two pump action gun with unused gun bullet will be found.
“You will be invited by the anti-graft agency for questioning and interrogation to shed more light on the said apartment which will lead to your arrest and detention, pending the outcome of the investigation.
“While you are still in detention, sponsored non-governmental organizations will be protesting round the nation and in cities like Lagos, Enugu, Anambra, Abuja, etc.
“Sponsored youth in your senatorial district will come to Abuja protesting in the National Assembly gate with petitions submitted to the Senate President and one to the Clark to the National Assembly to recall you.
“While protest is ongoing according to their evil plan, the EFCC after detaining you for at least three weeks, you will be charge to court since section 308 immunity clause does not apply to your office.
“The cabals in the presidency are planning to indict you and to kill your political ambition so that you can no longer stand for any future elections. They also want to show to the international community and Nigerian people that you are a corrupt politician.
“I sympathized with you and God will continue to use people like us to destabilize their evil plan against you. I wish you all the best in your political journey.”
There was no debate of the letter and Ekweremadu said that he only wanted to alert the Senate about what was likely in the offing.
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Police warns IPOB against planned protest
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has warned Indegenous People of Barra (IPOB) not to embark on it’s planned protest.
The Police said the warning is imperative because the protest could result in breakdown of law and order.
This warning is contained in a statement in Abuja by the Command Spokesperson, ASP Usen Omorodion.
The statement reads: “Intelligence report at the disposal of police revealed that a certain group identified as the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) has threatened to take over the street of FCT in the name of registering their protest.
“The commissioner of police hereby warns individual and groups against indulging in acts of protest that will result to breakdown of law and order in the federal capital territory.
“To this end, the commissioner of police hereby warns those behind the proposed action to desist forthwith in their own interest as the said protest would be tantamount to the peace of the federal capital territory FCT.
The statement further reads: “As a professional organization saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and properties, the FCT command would not fold its arms and watch criminal elements hide under the guise of such protest to cause breakdown of law and order.”
The Commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo however advised FCT residents to go about their lawful duties without fear and molestation adding that the command is well prepared and possesses the necessary wherewithal to confront any threat to the serene peace of the FCT.
Meanwhile, the Police also disclosed that it has increased it’s patrol team on major roads, entry and exit route around the FCT as part of measures to ensure smooth workers day celebration.
The CP also said he has directed his men to man recreational parks and other places of public interest.
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IPOB leader Kanu regains freedom
After about two years in custody, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, breathed the air of freedom yesterday.
His lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who informed The Nation about the development, said his client had been formally released from Kuje prison where he was kept.
Ejiorfor told our correspondent yesterday that Kanu was let out of the prison around 5 pm.
He said his client’s release followed the eventual perfection of the bail granted him on April 25 by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
“I am happy to formally inform you that Kanu is out of Kuje prison. We were able to meet the bail conditions. He left the prison around 5 pm,” Ejiofor told The Nation yesterday.
Ejiofor had on Thursday told The Nation that Kanu’s legal team was doing all within its powers to secure freedom for him.
In her ruling granting bail to Kanu, Justice Nyako said: “I have not also not seen any new argument to warrant my reviewing my earlier decision.
“However, as it relates to the 1st defendant, the applicant has deposed extensively on his health and appeals to the court on health grounds to allow bail on any condition.
“Over time that the 1st defendant has appeared in court, the 1st defendant may be having some health issues as he always sits down and sweats profusely.
“I am of the opinion that the 1st defendant needs better health attention that the prison service is unable to provide.
“Pursuant to this, the bail of the 2nd to 4th defendants are hereby refused. I hereby use my discretion and grant the 1st defendant bail on the following conditions:
“He shall undertake before the court and depose to an affidavit that he shall attend his trial diligently and shall provide three sureties as follows.
“All the sureties are in sum of N100m each. One of them must be a highly placed person of Igbo extraction, such as a Senator.
“Secondly, is a person highly respected and recognised religious leader in Nigeria of the defendant’s belief. A highly respected Jewish leader.
“The third surety must be resident in Abuja, highly respected, with landed property and Certificate of Occupancy verified.
“He shall deposit all his international passports, with the court. I also want a report of his health status on a monthly basis filed in court,” the judge said.
Justice Nyako directed that Kanu should not grant interviews, no ralies, and must not be in a crowd of more than 10 people.
The judge rejected bail to three others standing trial with Kanu. They are Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.
They are standing trial on a five count charge relating to treasonable felony, illegal possession of firearms, among others.
Further hearing in the case resumes on July 11.
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Court grants Kanu bail on health grounds
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday granted bail to the leader of a pro-Biafra group, Nnamdi Kanu, on health grounds.
Kanu was granted bail following a bail application filed by his lawyer after part of the charges filed against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader and three others were struck out by the court.
The other accused persons are the National Coordinator of IPOB, Mr. Chidiebere Onwudiwe; an IPOB member, Benjamin Madubugwu and one David Nwawuisi.
However, only Kanu was granted bail by Justice Binta Nyako on Tuesday.
The judge barred the IPOB leader from granting press interview while on bail.
She also warned Kanu not to participate in any rally or be found in a crowd of more than 10 persons during the course of his bail.
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Fayose appears in court for Kanu
Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, made a surprise appearance in court on Tuesday in solidarity with the detained Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, whose trial comes up before Justice Murtala Nyako later in the day.
Fayose’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, said the governor is now seated in High Court 4, Abuja.
Kanu is arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on multiple charges of criminal conspiracy, intimidation and membership of an illegal organization, among others.
Details later…
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IPOB alleges kidnapping of members by DSS
The Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) has raised an alarm over the incessant kidnappings of their members across the Eastern part of the country.
The alarm was raised by the Emma Powerful, the media and publicity secretary of the group who said the group’s newly appointed Africa Representative and member of the Directorate of State (DOS) Mr George Onyeibe from Agbor Delta State has been kidnapped from his house by men suspected to be DSS men.
Powerful alleged that the suspected DSS men ransacked his house, molested his wife and rough-handled his children during the kidnap according to a neighbour who observed the incident.
The statement reads, “It is deeply worrying that this APC Government, through her security agencies especially the DSS, have renewed their clampdown on innocent family members of IPOB just because we are exercising our God given right to self determination”.
“It is very pathetic that the Nigeria Government and her security agencies are completely ignorant or failed to read the declaration made by Federal High court Abuja on the 6th of March 2017 concerning the legality of IPOB.
“The newly appointed Africa representative Mr. George Onyeibe’s whereabout is now unknown to his people and IPOB members. For the avoidance of doubt, all his electronic gadgets and properties were either seized or destroyed by the DSS operatives who lunched the attack on him around 2am on the morning of 22 April 2017 in his house in Obiakpor Rivers State.
“Our intelligence unit have also uncovered meetings held in Abuja by the DSS where they perfected plans to secretly eliminate any IPOB member they lay their hands on.
“We are also aware that our members have been executed in cold blood by this murderous and tyrannical Government of APC led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari through his DSS. They have cleverly devised s system of killing any IPOB member arrested on the way to before they reach their dungeon.
“We are calling on the community civilised nations within the UN, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the US Government, European Union, African Union, men and women of good conscience around the world.
“Russia Government and other relevant Human Rights Organizations around the globe to prevail upon the Nigerian Government and her security agencies especially the DSS to release our African Representative George Onyeibe and others, or charge them to court if they are still alive,” Powerful stated.
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Governors to ‘tackle’ IPOB, MASSOB, Nnamdi Kanu
Southeast governors yesterday rose from a meeting in Enugu to announce their decision to “tackle” the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB ) and the detention of Nnamdi Kanu.
They also listed ecological problems of the zone, various abandoned dams, power and security as issues to be tackled.
Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), who addressed reporters after the meeting, said the “Ebonyi State Government House was not on fire”.
His words: “Today, we discussed a number of issues, but let’s first announce to you that our secretariat here in Enugu is now fully functional and so if you have to contact the Southeast Governors Forum you can do so through our secretariat.
“Fortunately, it is also in the Enugu State Government House.
“On the issue of IPOB, MASSOB, Kanu’s detention, ecological problems, various dams that have been abandoned, power, security, and other concerns of our people, the Southeast governors have agreed to meet with the various and appropriate authorities to address these problems.
“We are very committed to this and actions have started on these issues.
“Southeast governors also agreed to meet with stakeholders to address issues that are of interest to our people.
“We approved two representatives each and we have mandated them to meet and fashion out roadmap towards our economic integration.
“This we will do in the coming weeks so they will present a road map for our economic indices and development in our next meeting.
“Let me digress a little to saythere was no fire at the Ebonyi State Government House. That’s not correct.
“What happened was that the office of the chief of staff witnessed over usage of the air conditioner and it had a little problem.“
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IPOB to shut down Southeast on May 30
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), says it will shut down the South East in the country on May 30, to celebrate its 2017 Biafra Day anniversary.
Media and Publicity Secretary of the group, Emma Powerful, said the shut down plan is to honour those who sacrificed their lives for the Biafra agitation.
He added that, there will be no movement throughout ‘Biafraland’ on that day, saying, ” every area where a majority of Biafran population reside both in Biafraland and wherever our people live across the globe will come to a standstill.”
He expects “every man, woman, child and business to observe this great annual event by staying at home and not engaging in any business activity. There will be no movement in Biafraland, both human and vehicular. Biafraland will be shut down completely as a mark of dignified respect to those that sacrificed their lives for us.
“That is the least we can do to show them and Almighty God that this generation of IPOB and those to come will remain forever indebted to them that gave their lives to stop the elimination of the Biafran race from the face of the earth.”