The Nation Newspaper

Tag: IPOB

  • Nnamdi Kanu’s wife delivers baby boy

    Nnamdi Kanu’s wife delivers baby boy

      Facebook  Google+  LinkedIn

    Uchechi, wife of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, gave birth to a baby boy at an undisclosed hospital on Tuesday.

    The birth of Kanu’s child was announced in a message posted on the Facebook page of Radio Baifra London.

    No further details were given about the whereabouts of the wife, but thousands of Kanu’s followers rejoiced with their leader in absentia.

    The statement reads: “Good morning great Biafrans. With joy in our hearts and celebration of new arrival to IPOB family, our first lady, the wife of our eminent leader, Joshua Nnamdi Kanu, has delivered a healthy baby boy. Mother and child are in good health.”

    Uchechi may have delivered the baby in the United Kingdom, which is Kanu’s last known location before he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) operatives last October.

    Kanu, who is founder of Radio Biafra, was arrested at a Lagos hotel after he allegedly sneaked into the country, using fake identity.

  • How Biafra Radio chief Kanu was arrested, by DSS

    How Biafra Radio chief Kanu was arrested, by DSS

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has given details of how its men apprehended the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

    The DSS said but for the tenacity of its men, Kanu, who lodged in a Lagos hotel under a fictitious name, would have escaped arrest.

    It explained how arms and ammunition were recovered at the Ubulusiuzor, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State home of one of Kanu’s associates, Benjamin Madubugwu.

    The information was contained in some documents filed with a fresh six-count charge against Kanu, Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.

    A DSS operative, Temisan John, who led the team that arrested Kanu on October 14, said Kanu was apprehended in the company of a woman at the Golden Tulip Essential Lagos Airport Hotel located at 42/44, Murtala Mohammed International Aiprot Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

    “On arrival at the hotel, the staff denied having Kanu there or having any knowledge of him, even when showed his photograph. The guest manifest, for about five days, was also printed and the name was not found on any.

    “However, relying on accurate intelligence, the team decided to conduct a physical search on all the rooms and Kanu was arrested in Room 303 while hibernating with a young girl, Maryam Ibezimakor, with all his broadcasting and communication gadgets set for use.

    “It was then discovered that Kanu checked in under the name Nwanekaenyi Ezebuiro. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the command headquarters.”

    Another DSS operative, Mohammed Ahmed, who led the search of Madubugwu’s house, said items recovered in the house included “two pump-action guns loaded with ammunition, one Emerald pump-action gun with serial number: TS870-113-0046 and one Delta Magnum pump-action gun with serial number 501.”

    Kanu, Madubugwu and Nwawuisi (identified as a Field Maintenance Engineer with MTN Nigeria), were to be arraigned on December 23, but Kanu stalled the proceedings when he told the trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, that he doubted his ability to give a fair trial.

    This prompted Justice Mohammed to withdraw from the case and direct that the case file be returned to the court’s Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.

  • How DSS arrested Biafra’s Kanu

    How DSS arrested Biafra’s Kanu

    The Department of State Services has given details of how its men apprehended the leader of a group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and operator of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

    The DSS said, but for the tenacity of its men, Kanu who, it said, lodged in a hotel in Lagos using fictitious name, would have escaped arrest.

    It also explained how arms and ammunition were recovered in the home of one of Kanu’s associates – Benjamin Madubugwu – at Ubulusiuzor town, in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.

    The information are contained in a bundle of court documents filed along with a fresh six-count charge recently filed against Kanu, Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.

    A DSS operative, Temisan John, who led a team that arrested Kanu on October 14, 2015 at the Golden Tulip Essential Lagos Airport Hotel in Lagos said Kanu was apprehended in the company of a woman.

    ” On arrival at the hotel, the staff denied having Kanu in the hotel or having any knowledge of him even when shown his photograph. The hotel’s guest manifest for about five days were also printed and the name was not found on any.

    “However, relying on accurate intelligence, the team decided to conduct a physical search on all the hotel rooms, leading to the arrest of Kanu in Room 303, where he was caught hibernating with a young girl named Maryam Ibezimakor, with all his broadcasting and communication gadgets set for use.

    “It was then discovered that Kanu checked in under the name Nwanekaenyi Ezebuiro. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the command headquarters.”

    Another DSS operative, who led the search of Madubugwu’s house, Mohammed Ahmed, said items recovered in the house located at Ubulusiuzor, Ihiala LG, Anambra State included “two pump action guns loaded with ammunition.”

    He described them as ” one Emerald Pump Action gun, serial number: TS870-113-0046″ and “one Delta Magnum Pump Action gun s/no: 501.”

    Kanu,  Madubugwu and Nwawuisi (identified as a Field Maintenance Engineer with MTN Nigeria Limited were to be arraigned on December 23, but Kanu stalled the proceedings when he told Justice Ahmed Mohammed, before who they were to be arraigned, that he doubted the judge’s ability to ensure fair trial in the case, prompting Justice Mohammed to withdraw from the case.

    The judge, who was not averse to Kanu’s position, later directed the return of the case file to the court’s Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.

  • Judge withdraws from Kanu’s trial

    Judge withdraws from Kanu’s trial

    Leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, on Wednesday frustrated plans to arraign him and two of his associates before a federal High Court in Abuja.

    He told Justice Ahmed Mohammed, before whom they were to be arraigned, that he doubted the judge’s ability to ensure fair trial in the case, prompting Justice Mohammed to withdraw from the case.

    The judge, who was not averse to Kanu’s position, later directed the return of the case file to the court’s Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.

    Kanu and his associates, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi (identified as a Field Maintenance Engineer with MTN Nigeria Limited), were brought to court on Wednesday afternoon under heavy security provided by men of the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

    They were to be arraigned on six-count charge of treasonable felony, managing unlawful organization and illegal possession of firearms, among others, filed last Friday by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

    Shortly after the case was called, Kanu sought the court’s permission to address it, which the judge granted without objection from his lawyer, Vincent Obetta and the Director of Public prosecution of the Federation, Muhammad Diri, who led prosecution team.

    Kanu said he lacked confidence in the court, and that based on information available to him, he knew he will not receive fair trial before the court.

    “I will not sacrifice the due process founded upon the principle of natural justice on the altar of speedy release from detention. In other words, I will rather remain in detention than to subject myself to a trial that I know amount to perversion of justice

    “There have been several rulings delivered by competent courts of jurisdiction, which the DSS never respected.”

    On ending his statement, the judge asked his lawyer if he (the lawyer) agreed with what his client said about the court. Obetta answered in the affirmative and proceeded to justify his client’s position by arguing that his client was at liberty to decide whether or not he has confidence in a court before which he was to stand trial.

  • Govt lists six treason charges against kanu

    Govt lists six treason charges against kanu

    •Tuesday’s trial stalled 

    Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) leader and Radio Biafra Director Nnamdi Kanu is to be charged with treason.

    Kanu was arrested on October 14 in Lagos and arraigned before an Abuja Magistrate’s Court on October 19. The court struck out the charges brought against him by the Department of State Service (DSS) because the prosecution applied to withdraw the charges.

    Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, on November 10, ordered that Kanu be detained for 90 days but dismissed this ruling on December 17 and ordered the DSS to release Kanu after holding him for about two months. He also vacated his earlier order permitting the DSS to detain Kanu for 90 days.

    However, Kanu’s arraignment, which was scheduled for yesterday, did not hold because the hearing notices were not served on parties involved.

    The six-count charge of treasonable felony filed against Kanu and two others last Friday by the Federal Ministry of Justice was listed yesterday before Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court but no proceedings were conducted because the prosecution was not represented, though the defence was represented by Ifeanyi Ejiofor.

    It was gathered that no hearing notice had been served on parties as at yesterday and that Ejiofor was only in court having learnt about the pendency of the charge informally.

    Ejiofor said though he was yet to be served any hearing notice, he confirmed yesterday that the state had, indeed, filed a fresh charge against his client, a day after a judge, also of the Federal High Court, ordered his unconditional release.

    “I know they filed the new charge to justify their continued detention of my client after the court ordered his release. We are filing our bail application tomorrow (today) to compel them to come before the court to justify his continued detention, failure of which they shall be compelled to release him,” Ejiofor said.

    It was also gathered that Kanu and others may be arraigned today and if that fails to hold, the trial will be shifted till after the Christmas holidays.

    Policemen and DSS officials maintained heavy presence around the court from 7am till 1. 30pm, but left hurriedly on learning that the arraignment had been shifted till a later date.

    Kanu is being charged with, among other things, engaging in acts of terrorism and sponsoring same, belonging to an unlawful society and inciting the public against the Nigerian state.

  • IPOB, insurgents’ activities unlawful, says Fed Govt

    IPOB, insurgents’ activities unlawful, says Fed Govt

    •’No serious govt ’ll fold its arms and allow this kind of security breach’

    The Federal Government talked tough yesterday on the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the Southeast and the Islamic fundamentalists in the North. It declared their activities as “illegal”.

    The government said it would keep the peace in the country, warning that it would no longer fold its arms to allow their unlawful activities to continue.

    In a statement by Minister of Interior Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, the government vowed to wield the big stick should the need arise.

    The IPOB has been behind the pro-Biafran agitation in the Southeast and the protests being staged to demand the release of the Director of Biafran Radio, Nnamdi Kanu.

    The Federal Government vowed to always protect the country’s territory and the citizens against any separatist group’s activities.

    Dambazzau said: “The Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy as encapsulated in Chapter II of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, S.14(2) states that ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

    “The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, respects and upholds the fundamental human rights of all citizens as enshrined in Chapter IV of the Constitution. Incorporated in these rights is the ‘freedom from fear’, which every citizen must enjoy.

    “It is within this purview that it becomes necessary to emphasise that the government will do everything within the law to ensure that the lives and properties of persons, groups or organisations are protected.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government will continue to protect citizens’ rights to assemble freely and associate with other persons without hindrance; protect the freedom of thought, conscience and religion; and protect the freedom of expression. However, every citizen is under obligation to recognise and respect the rights of his or her fellow citizens, especially on matters regarding public order, safety and security.

    “No serious government will fold its arms to allow security breach of the kind which threatens the peaceful coexistence and sovereignty of its society. It is therefore imperative to remind ourselves that as long as demonstrations or processions are peaceful and do not infringe on the fundamental rights of others, the government will as a matter of principle, direct security agencies to protect the individuals or groups involved in such demonstrations or processions.

    “Democracy has provided vehicles through which citizens can convey their grievances without resorting to violence, and in our particular case, there are state governments and their assemblies; representatives and senators of the National Assembly; and the judiciary. It is expected that persons with grievances take advantage of using these opportunities instead of resorting to violence.

    “Our experience at least with separatist groups (such as Biafra Movements) and religious extremists (such as Boko Haram) in the last few years, depicted individuals or groups taking laws into their own hands, situations that sometimes led to violent clashes with security agencies. It is important for us to be law-abiding, even while expressing our grievances”.

    The minister, however, urged the security agencies to protect the citizens and residence at this Yuletide season as a result of movement and increase in activities.

    “As a result of increased movements and activities during the end of year and the beginning of a new season, the Ministry of Interior has coordinated with all security agencies under its supervision, and other security agencies, to ensure that the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens are guaranteed in line with our constitutional responsibilities.

    “We are drawing the attention of all Nigerians, especially in this Yuletide season, the necessity to keep their eyes and ears open, and report suspicious activities or persons, especially in motor-parks, airports, mosques, churches, markets and all public places attracting people,” Dambazzau said.

  • Pro-Biafra protests are politically motivated – Uwazuruike

    Separatist leader and founder of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, on Tuesday disclosed that the pro-Biafra protests rocking the Southeast and other parts of the country are politically motivated to paint the struggle in bad light.

    Uwazuruike, who briefed journalists at the Ojukwu Memorial Library in Owerri, the Imo State capital, said the violent protests by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are breach of the non-violence position of MASSOB.

    He said, “The current pro-Biafra protests are political, if not so where do they get the monies they share for those participating in the protests. We will actualize Biafra without spilling blood and all those behind the protest are sabotaging the genuine struggle.”

    Uwazuruike, who was recently expelled by a faction of MASSOB, however stated that factions are healthy for the struggle.

    “We welcome factions in the struggle because MASSOB cannot do it alone. All those preaching violence are not genuine because will not encourage violence in any form,” he stated.

  • MASSOB, IPOB announce ceasefire, chides Uwazuruike

    MASSOB, IPOB announce ceasefire, chides Uwazuruike

    •IPOB women give seven-day ultimatum for Kanu’s release 

    MOVEMENT for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have announced a temporary halt to their protests for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

    This is contained in a statement by Secretary of the Uchenna Madu-led MASSOB Ugwuoke Ibem Ugwuoke and IPOB’s spokesman Emma Powerful Ihejionueme.

    It reads: “A joint resolution of MASSOB/IPOB on the demonstration against the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is to halt the protest to pave the way for dialogue on Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

    “Our withdrawal from the major cities of Biafra land is not out of cowardice but to prove maturity and professionalism as decent self-determination groups. We give the Federal Government an ultimatum to prove its seriousness and sincerity on the dialogue.

    “We shall continue with our non-violent protest on Biafra. MASSOB and IPOB will never relent in the agitation for the actualisation of Biafra.

    “We condemn the stupidity and statement of Ralph Uwazuruike that IPOB and MASSOB introduced violence to the Biafra struggle. Uwazuruike is a drowning man, who is living in yesterday’s shadow; he has lost grip on Biafra issues because of his deviation, compromise and romance with the Federal Government and this has affected his personality and diminished his name. It has also unsteadied the group.

    “We warn Uwazuruike and his confused group to stop dragging MASSOB and IPOB into their shameless dance of visionless, missionless blind existence”.

    The women wing of IPOB has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to release Kanu.

    The women, who wore Biafra emblems and tops, engraved with Kanu’s portrait, vowed to take a more drastic action, if Kanu was not released.

    They warned that Nigeria was sliding towards a dangerous part with the detention of Kanu, as they protested around the Ariaria International market junction on the Enugu-Port Harcourt road in Aba.

    “IPOB women are giving a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu. It is either they release him or face our wrath. In Igboland, when women protest, it means the matter is serious. We decided to hold this protest to appeal to the Federal Government to release him.

    “We can’t understand why the government is still detaining Kanu since he has been granted bail. IPOB sees this as part of the plot in the neglect of Ndigbo. This is another proof that Ndigbo are not wanted in Nigeria, if a freedom fighter like Kanu can be detained indefinitely.”

    The protest caused a gridlock on the road.

  • Police arrest four MASSOB members in Ebonyi

    Police arrest four MASSOB members in Ebonyi

    Four members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) were in the early hours of Friday arrested by policemen attached to Ebonyi State police command.

    The members who engaged in a peaceful protest along some streets in Abakaliki including Vanco junction were seen carrying placards, flags of the group and chanting songs of solidarity.

    The development caused pandemonium within the state capital as keke operators and vehicles belonging to private individuals were diverted other adjoining streets to avoid significant disruption of economic activities in the state.

    Police spokesman in the State, ASP George Okafor confirmed the arrest of the MASSOB members.

    He threatened that the police in the state would not allow the group to gain any influence over the state as the command was prepared for any showdown with MASSOB.

    So far, relative peace has since returned to the state capital as security operatives have been positioned at different strategic points to clampdown on the activities of MASSOB in the state.

  • IGP warns MASSOB, IPOB against threatening public peace

    IGP warns MASSOB, IPOB against threatening public peace

    The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr Solomon Arase, has warned members of Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and  Indigenous People of Biafra  (IPOB) to stop threatening public peace or face the full weight of the law.

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

    Arase said that the warning followed the observation by the Police leadership of the increasing resort to acts of brigandage by sets of misguided individuals.

    He said that the act also occasioned serious dislocation of business activities.

    The IG stated that the increasing resort to acts of brigandage of this nature was pointing to a clear attempt by the brains behind these protests to test the will of security agencies.

    He directed the mobilisation and deployment of Police Mobile Force (PMF) to reinforce security in the State Commands that MASSOB and IPOB are currently protesting.

    He also directed AIGs in charge of Zone 5, Benin; Zone 6, Calabar and Zone 9 Umuahia as well as all Commissioners of Police in the affected States to henceforth maximally exercise their statutory Mandate in preventing any gathering that threatened public order and national cohesion.

    “Any person or group of persons so arrested in furtherance to the enforcement of this order will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

    The IG advised parents and guardians to call their children and wards to order as the patience of the Force was being stretched to the limit.

    He said that no individual or group interest could override the interest of the nation.

    Arase said that the Police would not fold its arms to allow few misguided elements to continually force hardships on fellow Nigerians.