The Nation Newspaper

Tag: IPOB

  • Nnamdi Kanu: No plans to invade court – MASSOB

    Nnamdi Kanu: No plans to invade court – MASSOB

    The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) faction led by Uchenna Madu has denied the allegation by the Department of State Service (DSS) that some Biafra agitators plan to invade the Court and forcefully free their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
    Madu said that both Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and MASSOB have no plans to invade any court in the country during the façade trail of Kanu with the intention to free their leader.

    MASSOB in a statement issued by the factional leader, Comrade Madu described the allegation as ‘rattling of a confused and drowning people’, as the two groups are non violent in any form.

    The statement reads, “How can a non-violence and armless organization like IPOB and MASSOB invade a courtroom located on the 3rd floor of the Federal High Court surrounded by heavily armed combine team of
    Nigeria security agents and modern technological security gadgets.

    “MASSOB and IPOB have no such intention, plan or agenda as we know that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and others committed no offence against Nigeria.

    “We depend and focus on the divine justice of God (as) Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest and detention has revived the conscientiousness of Biafra to a higher dimension which can never be quenched.

    “The insistence of the Federal Government to hide the identity of their witnesses against Nnamdi Kanu and others is a sign of cowardice and unsteadiness.

    “They have no genuine witnesses now because the contracted ones have been exposed. It remains only the staff of DSS who will appear with Igbo names to create negative impression that Ndigbo are against
    Nnamdi Kanu.

    “FG has shot itself on the leg. For a soft landing, MASSOB advises President Buhari to immediately reach the principal Igbo leaders the Federal Government delegation led by the Director of Military Intelligence (DMI) met, with some representatives of IPOB and MASSOB on 22nd of December 2015 at Enugu, and release Nnamdi Kanu to them.

    “The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu will bring more devastating diplomatic doom for Nigeria. Biafrans are ready for the trial.”

  • Police warn IPOB members against unlawful arms possession

    Police warn IPOB members against unlawful arms possession

    The Nigeria Police Force has warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against bearing arms in self defence.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Force Spokesperson, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olabisi Kolawale, in Abuja on Thursday.

    The statement said the warning became necessary because of a publication credited to the group telling its members to carry arms in self defence.

    “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a publication credited to the Indigenous People of Biafra ‘to carry guns in self defence’.

    “The Inspector-General of Police has sternly warned members of the IPOB to reconsider their stand or face the wrath of the extant laws on bearing of firearms,“ it said.

    It warned that anybody who dared security agencies in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities would face dare consequences of his actions.

    The statement cautioned IPOB members to follow appropriate avenues in ventilating their grievances.

    It reminded the group that it was an offence punishable under the criminal Law of the Federation of Nigeria for a person to have in his possession or under his control any prohibited firearms without license or permit.

    “ The IPOB are advised to be guided in respect of the above as the Police Force is poised to uphold the existing restriction over the use of firearms,“ it said.

    Meanwhile, all Zonal AIGs and State Commands CPs have been directed to strictly enforce the laws against the use of illegal firearms across the country.

    Arase has assured that the Police, complemented by other security agencies in the country, would tirelessly and assiduously work toward eliminating any threat to internal security and social disorder.

    He reassured Nigerians of his commitment to their safety and security.

  • Security agencies stop IPOB protest in Aba

    Security agencies comprising of Soldiers and Police were said to have prevented members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, from embarking on street protest Tuesday in Aba.

    The Nation learnt that the IPOB members were held up at the National High school along Port Harcourt road.

    Details later….

  • DHQ dares Niger Delta militants, IPOB others

    DHQ dares Niger Delta militants, IPOB others

    The Nigeria Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has warned the Niger Delta militants and the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) not to engage in any act that would threaten the peace and unity of the country, or embark on acts of sabotage against the Nigerian state.

    In a release signed by the Defence Information Director, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar, the DHQ warned that the military and other security agencies will not condone any acts by individuals or group that is capable of breaching the security and economy of the Niger Delta or in any part of the country.

    “This is because; the nation’s interest is above that of individual or group’s interest. In as much as the military recognizes the supremacy of the Constitution which guarantees freedom of expression and association, the constitution also frowns against individuals or groups hiding under it to stir up trouble and insecurity in the land.  Any individual or groups who have genuine complain or grievances should use the available means of dialogue for amicable resolution but certainly not violence, as it will not be tolerated,” the Defence Spokesman said.

  • IPOB/MASSOB members arraigned in court

    IPOB/MASSOB members arraigned in court

    Twenty six suspected members of both Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) who were arrested on Monday have been arraigned in court for trial.

    Recall that members of IPOB and MASSOB were arrested in different parts of Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State when the two groups clashed with security agencies during the protest that not only crippled economic and social activities in Aba, but also led to the death and injuring of many including innocent residents who were hit by expended stray live ammunition from soldiers firearm.

    They were arrested in different parts of the commercial city The State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO; DSP Ezekiel Onyeke Udeviotu in a telephone interview on Wednesday told our correspondent that the IPOB and MASSOB members were arraigned before a magistrate court sitting in Umuahia, the state capital.

    According to him, they were arraigned on a three count of, (i) conspiracy to commit felony to wit being members of unlawful society (ii) Belonging to MASSOB/IPOB which is an unlawful society and (iii) Having in possession/under their control cutlasses, MASSOB/IPOB flags I.D cards, mufflers, T-shirts among other insigmas.

    The state PPRO though could not immediately state their bail conditions, further disclosed that five out of the twenty six IPOB and MASSOB members met their bail conditions while others were remanded in prison custody until they meet their bail conditions.

    However, residents of Aba have condemned in strong terms the use of live ammunition on the protesters by soldiers while trying to stop them from taking to the streets.

    According some of them including Mr. Ignatius Okoro, “as much as we are not in support of the protest because of the negative effect it has on our businesses, we want to say that use of live firearms on armless protesters is condemnable and can only be used in a clime like ours. We used to see where in Europe they use hot water or even rubber bullet in worst cases and not live firearms as it was the case on Monday. It is high time army authority calls for probe over the involvement and activities of their officers in the protest on Monday and we want to call on civil societies in the country to rise up and question the army on why they should use such a dangerous weapon on the protesters.”

  • My ordeal in the hands of soldiers – Nation man

    My ordeal in the hands of soldiers – Nation man

    The clash between two pro-Biafra protesting groups; Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualization for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), may have come and gone, but the impact still leaves many so much to ponder on.

    One of the residents of Aba and Sales Representative of The Nation in the city, Gbola Alade narrating the ordeal he suffered in the hands of soldiers said he was yet to get his phone which some soldiers collected from him.

    He also said that the soldiers who ordered him to enter their patrol van also broke his official Identity card.

    According to him, “I was coming back from the bank to the office after making some payment.

    “It was when I got to Mosque near our office unknown to me that soldiers had already laid siege in the area. But since I know that I was not part of the protesters and that I was very close to my office I didn’t bother. I was equally hanging my ID card on my neck.

    “The soldiers ordered me to come and I went to answer them. They inquired to know who I am and I told them that I am a staff of Nation and that my office is very close.

    “Before I could finish talking, one of the soldiers in a patrol van marked 47A or so broke my ID card and equally collected my phone and accused me of trying to snap them with my phone.

    “They ordered me into their truck with one other person who was later discovered to be a corps member. They drove to a distance and asked us to go down.

    “This morning (Tuesday), I have made attempt to go to nearby army formation but none admitted it was their personnel that broke my ID and collected my phone. My phone is still not reachable and I am still going to visit other formations to see if I can get my phone back because of the contacts I have in the phone. According to them, the soldiers that came were from different formations outside Aba.

    “I want to use this medium to appeal to the soldiers to please return my phone because as it stands now, it is affecting my job. I don’t know why they should break my ID and seize my mobile phone at the same time,” he stated.

  • IPOB protest disrupt activities in Asaba

    IPOB protest disrupt activities in Asaba

    Protesters under the aegis of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Monday disrupted commercial activities in major streets of Asaba, Delta State.

    This may not be unconnected with the continued incarceration of the Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

    The placard carrying protesters who also bore various Biafra insignias insisted that they would remain in the streets until the detained Kanu is released from the custody of security agencies.

    The protest paralyzed socio-economic activities in the metropolis, causing traffic gridlock on the ever busy Nnebisi Road.

    One of the protesters who simply identified himself as Mr. Ikenna said that the protest was a peaceful one to prevail on the Federal Government to release Kanu from detention.

    Ikenna said security agencies were cooperating with them, noting that they were not being harassed as it used to be in the past.

    “This is a peaceful protest for the release of our leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu from prison. We will continue to remain on the streets until he is freed. This protest is happening in Asaba alone by members of IPOB,” Ikenna added.

    The detained Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu was billed to appear in court yesterday (Monday) for charges bordering on treasonable felony but disagreement between IPOB members, his family members and his wife over change of his counsel might jeopardize his chances in the legal tussle.

  • IPOB, MASSOB protest turns bloody in Aba

    IPOB, MASSOB protest turns bloody in Aba

    It was a bloody day in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State on Monday as members of two pro-Biafra groups; Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) clashed while the groups were protesting the continued detention of their leader and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

    Unconfirmed reports have it that about 30 injured members of the two groups who sustained degrees of gunshots were being treated in different parts of the commercial city; a total number of 7persons were reported dead.

    Report also has it that another person who was said to have been hit by a stray bullet died at a hospital within the city center where the victim was rushed for medical attention, but due to loss of blood and delay in getting medical attention, died in the hospital.

    Our reporter who monitored the protest report that the fracas which ensued between the protesters and the security agencies forced commercial activities to a standstill as many shop owners in various markets and within the city center forcefully closed for business.

    According to our reporter, a 20-year-old apprentice who was identified as Chidozie Okafor, the only son of his parents and a native of Omuohu, in Eziagu local government council of Enugu State died immediately along St. Michael’s road about 1.pm after a stray bullet allegedly fired by a soldier hit him on his way back to his master’s shop at Pound road after having his lunch.

    It was gathered that the pro-biafra groups who had forewarned Aba residents last week of Monday’s protest, after being dispersed by a combined team of security agencies at National High School along Port-Harcourt road; there usual point of takeoff in the morning, later regrouped around Asa and Park road.

    Sources said that while the protesters had regrouped, security agencies that were on their trail attempted to disperse them, but met stiff resistance by the groups.

    According to the sources who claimed to have witnessed the incident said soldiers serving under 144 Battalion having seen that they were being overpowered by the protesters, started shooting sporadically in a bid to scare the crowd.

    They said that the event however took another dimension when the live ammunition from the soldiers’ guns hit some of the protesters.

    They also confirmed that some members of the protesters were arrested in the process.

    Checks within Aba reveal that security was beefed up around various military formations and police barracks in Aba and its environs.

    In a telephone chat with the National Welfare Officer of Uchenna Madu led MASSOB, Mr. Jude Chukwu, he condemned the killings, and alleged that about five members of the group were reported dead, while 30 members of the groups were currently receiving medical attention in undisclosed medical centers in Aba and its environs.

    Chukwu while blaming police and soldiers for the loss of lives claimed that the protest was peaceful until the security agencies started firing live on unarmed citizens.

    He also used the opportunity to debunk the insinuations making rounds that they; IPOB and MASSOB were working for the camp of Dr. Alex Otti the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, stressing that the reason for their protest was part of their push for the release of the detained leader of IPOB and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu who has been in detention since October last year.

    It could be recalled that the State Police Command in a release signed by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Ezekiel Onyeke Udeviotu had warned that the ban on street protest and any form of procession as directed by the state government was still in place and directed its men and officers to resist any attempt by any group in the state to take to the streets.

     

     

     

     

  • IPOB protest turns bloody in Aba

    Protest by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Aba, Abia State, turned bloody on Monday as security agents and members of the group clashed in the city.

    Details later…

  • MASSOB to resume mass protests Monday

    MASSOB to resume mass protests Monday

    The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) said it has directed its members to resume massive protests from Monday 18 January.

    The directive came after rising from a one-day meeting of ‎ national executive officers at MASSOB headquarters, Okwe Onuimo Local council of Imo state.

    A statement signed by the secretary of Uchenna Madu led faction, Ibem Ugwuoke Ibem and the director of Information, Samuel Edeson states that;

    ” MASSOB after series of public protest, demonstrations, civil disobedience and stay at home protest against the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by Nigerian Government through the DSS and the non-compliance of Buhari led administration to obey three different competent court orders for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, MASSOB demands that Nnamdi Kanu must be release now or more diplomatic, image, and political damages will be fall the already battered Nigeria’s image with massive, self-determined and non-violence worldwide Biafran Demonstration/protest including non co-operation and civil disobedience.

    “That MASSOB directs all our members at home and in Diaspora to prepare for a massive demonstration, protest and a civil disobedience against the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu (IPOB Leader) starting from Monday January 18, 2016.

    “MASSOB also directs former members in Ralph Uwazurike’s BIM to join and participate in the non-violent worldwide demonstration against Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention as a mark of Love and respect for Biafra.”

    The pan-Biafra group also condemned the statement of Bishop Chukwuma of Enugu diocese of Anglican Church that Ndi Igbo don’t need Biafra and that our demonstrations are not for Biafra.

    “MASSOB and IPOB are not on the streets demonstrating against bad roads or lack of federal presence in eastern region or non-appointment of Igbos in key federal Government positions in Buhari led administration or against Igbo marginalization.

    “We are committed, consistently and uncompromisely agitating for an independent state of Biafra from Nigeria. Biafra is the answer to the numerous subjective slavery Nigeria subjected Ndi Igbo into ranging from political, Economical, Academic, Religious, Cultural and Social slavery. Today in Nigeria, true nationhood has remained stillborn. Peace, justice and equity has remained elusive to Nigeria which still remains in perpetual strife and increasing crisis since her independence. These undeniable realities are the reasons the Nigerian State is afraid of Biafra which represents the truth they cannot legitimately counter. Biafra speaks of the truth Nigeria know they are guilty of, so out of weakness, jittery and fear Nigeria resort to repressions, persecutions and detention of Biafran agitators,” it stressed. ‎

    It also descended on Dr. Chris Eluemunoh who “claimed Chairman of state presidents of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo and his demand from Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu is against our ethics and clamor. MASSOB and IPOB don’t know Eluemunoh as an Igbo Leader with Igbo interest, this man is an agent of distraction working for Nigerian Government which has paid him more than Twenty Million Naira to make several negative press statement against us during the early days of our demonstration.

    “He is not speaking the mind of Ohaneze Leadership as there is no office in Ohaneze as Chairman of State President. Ndiigbo should be wary of people like Dr. Chris Eluemunoh who are wolves in sheep clothing. Nnamdi Kanu will be released and true Igbo Leaders, MASSOB and IPOB Leaders will be on the ground to receive him.”