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Tag: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

  • Kanu urges Appeal Court to quash conviction for terrorism

    Kanu urges Appeal Court to quash conviction for terrorism

    Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has urged the Court of Appeal to quash the life imprisonment imposed on him by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Justice James Omotosho, last November 19, found him guilty of terrorism-related offences.

    A member of Kanu’s legal team, Aloy Ejimakor, posted a copy of the notice of appeal on his X account yesterday.

    He stated: “The mother of all appeals has been filed as Mazi Nnamdi Kanu personally appeals against his conviction/sentence today, the 4th of February 2025.”

    The appeal was signed by Kanu, who had dismissed his lawyers, including Kanu Agabi (SAN), during the trial.

    He sought an order allowing the appeal and quashing his conviction in all the counts in the charge.

    Kanu prayed for an order “quashing, reversing and setting aside the sentences/punishment imposed on the appellant” by Justice Omotosho.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Court strikes out Nnamdi Kanu’s motion seeking relocation from Sokoto prison 

    He sought an order of the Court of Appeal “discharging and acquitting” him “in respect of all the counts”.

    Among the grounds of appeal, Kanu argued that Justice Omotosho did not consider relevant mitigation or sentencing factors in sentencing him.

    He further argued that the sentence was imposed without allocutus.

    Justice Omotosho imposed life imprisonment on counts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 (terrorism-related offences), 20 years imprisonment (no fine option) on Count 3 (membership of a proscribed terrorist group), and five years imprisonment (no fine option) on Count 7 (unlawful importation of a radio transmitter to further Radio Biafra broadcasts).

    The judge remarked that although the Terrorism Prevention Act under which Kanu was convicted prescribes the death penalty, he chose not to impose it “as a Christian.”

  • Nyako’s recusal order remains binding, Kanu insists

    Nyako’s recusal order remains binding, Kanu insists

    Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu yesterday said the order by Justice Binta Nyako recusing herself from his terrorism trial remained binding.

    In a statement by his lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu said the Chief Judge, John Tsoho, cannot override the recusal order via a memo.

    Ejimakor, in the statement shared on X, said: “During our routine visitation today (yesterday) with Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, he instructed the legal team to convey the following to the general public:

    “That it would be foolish of him to yield to the gross illegality of a judicially recused judge continuing to preside over his case when the Supreme Court stated unequivocally that the impartiality of the same judge is suspect.

    “That rather than needlessly pontificating over the merits or otherwise of the Chief Judge reassigning this case to the same recused judge, people should ask why the authorities are persisting in the illegal path of assigning his case to a judge who was recused by a valid order.

    “He stated that adherence to the rule of law requires that every government department or agency, including the office of the Chief Judge, must respect a valid court judgment.

    “It is unlawful for the Chief Judge to insist or seek to overturn the decision of a properly constituted court of law.

    Read Also: Nigeria girls demand end to child marriage, other injustices

    “That the order of recusal is binding on the Chief Judge (Hon. Justice John Tsoho) and the Federal Government. As such, the order cannot be set aside by a mere memo of the Chief Judge.

    “One of the statutes that forbear the Chief Judge from interfering with Justice Binta Nyako’s order of recusal can be found in Section 1(c) of the National Judicial Institute Act, CAP. N55, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 titled ‘The National Judicial Policy’.

    “It reads: ‘A judge must not take or attempt to take orders or instructions of any kind from anyone that may influence his decision in the performance of his judicial functions’.

    “Thus, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court has no legal authority to interfere with the judicial decision of a fellow judge to recuse herself from his case.

    “This brazen attempt to impose Justice Binta Nyako contrary to a subsisting court order and key statutory provisions does not comport with the rule of law and therefore cannot stand.”

  • ‘I’ll remain grateful to my sureties in my trivials’ – Kanu

    Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has said he will remain eternally grateful to his sureties for standing by him all through his travails, trials and tribulations.

    He described the bench warrant against him by Justice Binta Nyako as “mere academic exercise,” expressing confidence that it would be ignored by the international and diplomatic community.

    In a broadcast monitored by The Nation corespondent in Awka, the IPOB leader insisted that Nigerian government could not by its antics incite the world against him.

    He added that the diplomatic community had since expressed its disapproval of what had befallen IPOB in Nigeria.

    He said, “I remain eternally grateful to my sureties for standing by me all through my travails, trials and tribulations.

    “It smacks of judicial persecution for Justice Binta Nyako handling my case to claim that my sureties had withdrawn their surety.

    “Justice Binta Nyako’s bench warrant against me makes the judiciary complicit in the persecution of innocent people and IPOB since mid 2015.

    “Where a case is for hearing of motion, the trial judge must hear the motion and adjourn for any other process. On no account should he hear a motion and hear the merits of the matter, not to talk about delivering judgment. He may consider doing that in the very rare circumstance of consent by parties.

    READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu: Lawyer confirms Jerusalem appearance

    “When a matter has been adjourned for a particular purpose, it is my view that the business of the court on the day the matter is adjourned is the purpose for which it was adjourned.

    ” It is expected that parties have come prepared for that purpose for which the matter was adjourned. If it is expedient to change the purpose, it cannot be done by the court suo motu (on its own)  as the parties must agree.”

    According to Kanu, another disturbing trend was the use of the media to prejudice public opinion against IPOB before and during trial, alleging that examples abound where media houses allowed themselves to be used as “willing agents” of persecution.

    “In March last year, a continental human rights court restrained the Nigerian government from persecution of members of IPOB which the government is yet to obey.

    “The arrest, detention and murder of IPOB family members is illegal, unconstitutional and in breach of the written laws of Nigeria.

    “The fact that judges and supposed legal practitioners allow this travesty to continue is indicative of the level of ignorance that pervades the Nigerian judiciary,” he said.

  • Updated: Court orders arrest of IPOB leader, Kanu

    For failing to attend court since April 25, 2017, without any reasonable explanation, a Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.

    Justice Binta Nyako, in a ruling on Thursday, also directed that his trial, on charges of treasonable felony should proceed in his absence.

    Relying on the provision of Section 352(4) of the Administrative of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, Justice Nyako agrred with the prosecution, led by Magaji Labaran, that Kanu has consistently failed to appear in court since April 25, 2017, without any reasonable explanation.

    The judge, who rejected the objection by Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor to Labaran’s oral application for the IPOB leader’s arrest, noted that she had, in an earlier judgment on a civil suit filed by Kanu, held that there was no nexus between the reported military invasion of Kanu’s community and his disappearance.

    Justice Nyako noted that Kanu has violated the conditions and terms of the bail granted him.

    She recalled that after the defendant was granted bail on April 17, 2017, the following proceedings of July 11, 2017 could not hold due the court’s vacation.

    The judge further noted that on October 17, 2017 Kanu also failed to appear in court with his lawyer saying that the defendant absence from court was caused by the invasion of his home in Abia State by soldiers.

    She said the three persons, who had guaranteed his bail, have applied to the court to withdraw their suretyship because they could not account for his whereabouts.

    Justice Nyako observed that on March 28, 2018, Kanu’s trial was separated from that of his four other co-defendants in order to avoid delays of the other persons’ trial.

    The judge recalled that, on November 14, 2018, she ordered that the sureties should temporarily forfeit their N100m bail bonds or produce Kanu in court.

    She added since when Kanu’s trial was separated from that of others, there were four court sessions that held and were adjourned without Kanu attending any.

    The judge stressed that proceedings must end one way or the other, and added, “I have given the counsel for the defendant more than enough time to produce him in court.

    “Therefore, by virtue of section of section 252(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, the only option open to do is to order that the trial will continue in his absence.

    “Also in the absence of any reasonable explanation for his absence, I hereby revoke his bail and order that a bench warrant be issued for his arrest,” she said.

    The judge fixed June 18 for the commencement of trial with or without Kanu in court.

    Justice Nyako however adjourned indefinitely, the proceedings in relation to Kanu’s sureties, who have applied to withdraw their suretyship.

    The judge ordered the indefinite adjournment after lawyer to one of the sureties, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN), informed the court that his client has appealed the November 14, 2018 ruling ordering the sureties to forfeit their bail bonds.

  • Abaribe denies being queried for standing surety for IPOB leader

    Abaribe denies being queried for standing surety for IPOB leader

    Leader of South East Senate caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Wednesday protested a report that he was queried by the Senate for standing surety for the bail of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    Abaribe through a Point of Order, tendered a copy of Daily Trust publication of yesterday with the head line that the Abia South senator was queried by the Senate for being one of those who guaranteed Kanu bail.

    He insisted that no such thing happened and wondered why the newspaper could publish what he described as “fake news.”  

    The lawmaker also said that the meeting the publication was based was a closed door session which was not open to the public.

    Abaribe said that he was at a loss where the newspaper got its information.

    He told the Senate that his “constituents are deeply worried over the unverified report as was published by the newspaper.”

     Abaribe said, “Our meeting was a closed door one. A headline like this purporting to say that this was what happened in the meeting is wrong.

    “You and I know that this did not happen. My constituents have been worried and I told them that it is not true.

    ‘Daily Trust should be made to produce who gave them this misleading information.

    “This report is trying to drive a wedge between northern and southern senators because it claimed that northern senators made a demand which southern senators grudgingly agreed to.”

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided also said that the meeting was a closed session which was not open to the public.

    He referred the matter to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to investigate and report back in two weeks.

    Ekweremadu added, “You all know that nothing like that happened in the meeting. What is closed should remain so.”

    One of the bail conditions given by an Abuja Federal High Court for Kanu to be granted bail was that a serving senator should be one of those that should stand surety for his bail.

    Abaribe as the leader of the south east senate caucus was mandated to endorse the bail.

  • No arrest of IPOB members, Police declare in Anambra

    No arrest of IPOB members, Police declare in Anambra

    …IPOB raises alarm over alleged plot to kill members by FG

     

    The Anambra State Police Command Friday declared that no arrest of members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been made in the state.

    The State Police Public Relation’s Officer (PPRO), Princess Nkeiruka Nwode, told The Nation Friday  in Awka that the command had no problem with IPOB members since after the proscription.

    She said Friday members of the group had been peaceful and going about their normal businesses including the residents in the state.

    Meanwhile, members of the group had been hiding since the proscription in the state, while the sales of IPOB insignia, flags among others are no longer being displayed at public places.

    However, the group yesterday raised the alarm that the federal government was planning another round of massacre against the members.

    This was contained in a statement yesterday in Awka which was sent to reporters by Emma Powerful, Media and Publicity Secretary for IPOB.

    According to the statement, “We the family of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) worldwide under the command and leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu wish to urgently draw the attention of the civilized world to the dastardly plot being perfected by Nigeria against peaceful unarmed members of IPOB residing in Biafra land in the next few weeks”

    “IPOB Intelligence Unit has uncovered elaborate plans by the government to incriminate IPOB members in order to justify their controversial and unpopular proscription of IPOB with the attending laughable tag of terrorist organization against a world recognized peaceful movement”

    “The government has resolved to commence another round of their periodic genocide of innocent civilians across South East and South-South, within the next few weeks under the cover that IPOB is a terrorist organization”

    “They have concluded plans to kill as many people as possible. They want to spread terror, intimidation and instill fear in the minds of those that will survive this massacre and cause our people to renounce or abandon their legitimate quest for freedom”

    “The plan is to bring the people of old Eastern Region to submission before 2019 presidential elections’

    “In the meeting where they concluded this devilish line of action, they boasted that they have succeeded in bringing some South East and South-South politicians, especially South East governors under their control, what was left for them was to complete the conquest and subjugation of entire Biafraland and the youths”

    “It is presently clear that a special squad has been trained to spearhead and carry this plot to the letter. The plan is to trigger an ethno-religious crisis of immense proportion as a prelude to unleashing what they termed the final solution to the Igbo question in Nigeria” IPOB said.

    Meanwhile, one of the Igbo leaders and the Founder of Ogilisi Foundation, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, has called on governors of South East states to take a more holistic approach towards ending the spate of agitation for Biafra.

    He told reporters Friday in Oba, Idemili South council of Anambra that the decision of the governors to proscribe IPOB was hasty and may not lead to the end of activities of Biafra agitators.

    He attributed the perennial call for actualization of Biafra to the yearnings of the souls who died during war for proper burial.

    The spiritual leader, who lauded the unity among the governors, urged them to unanimously decide on how the souls of those who lost their lives during the civil war between 1967-1970 and related struggle would be reburied and appeased.

    Ezeonwuka said only such a befitting burial and memorial would appease the Biafran Spirit, which had taken over minds of most youths across the South East and South South regions.

    He said it was a popular practice among countries in the world to remember the souls that were lost during wars and natural disasters.

    “But the governors have not done enough research in it before their decision to proscribe the IPOB, there is a spiritual aspect of what is going on, the souls that died during the war are still hovering because they have not been recognized and buried”

    “As a spiritual person, I can tell you that those souls that were lost are still alive, they have possessed our youths that is why they are calling for Biafra even at the risk of their lives”

  • Eastern Consultative Assembly to honour Nnamdi Kanu

    Eastern Consultative Assembly to honour Nnamdi Kanu

    The Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) will honour the leader of the IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on October, 2017 at the presentation of a book titled “HOW NNAMDI KANU RESTRUCTURED NIGERIA”.

    The book produced by the ECA, documents the travails, the journey and frustrations in the spirited attempt by good men and women to save Nigeria from collapse, through a holistic restructuring of the polity back to true federalism and regional autonomy.

    This was contained in a press statement signed by the deputy leader of the ECA, Chief (Mrs) Maria Okwo and issued in Enugu.

    The book reveals how Nigeria is crippled by an over-powerful center, prebendalism, unitary structure, ethnic divisions, corruption and ill-fitting military constitution. The book also recalls the struggles by Late Anthony Enahoro, Late Abraham Adesanya, Late Rotimi Williams, Late Tunji Braithwaite etc. to reconstruct and redesign Nigeria through a wholesome restructuring of the polity that will throw up a new people’s constitution that would be affirmed at a referendum.

    The book exposes the reasons why enemies of progress have consistently killed reports of past National Conferences, just so they could continue to hold Nigerians hostage and deny the people opportunity to take back their country from the vicious cabal that believes they are born to rule and dominate others forever.

    Kanu is being honoured for achieving under two years the restructuring of Nigeria, something that seemed impossible just two years ago.

    “As every group and government has set up their own committee on restructuring, going round organizing public hearings/sittings, the unborn generations of Nigeria will forever remain grateful to Nnamdi Kanu for moving the restructuring agenda from the realm of speculation into reality, something he achieved at great sacrifice,” says the statement.

  • Traders make brisk sales as Aba hosts IPOB leader Kanu

    Traders make brisk sales as Aba hosts IPOB leader Kanu

    The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State on Sunday August 27 to further push the course of his group. Sunny Nwankwo, who was at the event, writes on how many traders made fortune from the visit.

    Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, gained its popularity through the ingenuity of its residents and their huge interest in trade and investment in economic activities. This accounts for why the city would be bubbling with human and vehicular movement in many parts of the city within the week days except Sundays when major markets of Ariaria, Cemetery/Eziukwu, Ahia Ohuru (New market), Shopping Center among others remain closed.

    But the long held belief that Sundays, usually provide residents of Aba the opportunity to commune with their maker (God for Christians) and also provides them the space to attend social functions and to meet family and friends who they may have not being able to see for a very long time was set aside at the weekend.

    While the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was in Aba at the weekend to further preach the message of emancipation he has for his supporters who thronged the premises of Boys Technical College (BTC), Aba located along Faulks road, many SME owners took the advantage to display their wares to make brisk cash at the event.

    From Biafra insigma to food items and amongst others were all on display for people to buy.

    Some of the traders who spoke to our reporter said that they couldn’t afford to miss an event that would help them make some sales in order to put food on their family tables.

    They however told our reporter that they reduced the price of their items at the rally ground to ensure that as many that would want to buy the items can buy such.

    One of the traders, Ikechukwu Goodluck said that he has been preparing for the event since last two weeks when he got wind of Kanu’s imminent visit to Aba as he stated that he knew that many people would be in attendance.

    A food vendor, Mrs. Ifeoma Uzoma said that she has not recorded the kind of patronage she recorded since she started selling food and prayed that a day like that would continue to be witnessed.

    While these people were having a field day, Kanu had a message for his supporters and to the federal government of the country.

    The IPOB leader, who described Aba as the “Spiritual Land of Biafra”, said that he was not going to go on exile, urging his supporters and those who believed in the Biafra course to be strong and resolute.

    He also used the opportunity to reiterate that there won’t be election in Anambra in November or any part of “Biafra Land” even in 2019 unless there was a date for referendum which the group has been clamouring for.

    Kanu who paid tribute to those reportedly killed at National High School Aba by security agencies in his words said “Here we are, is Biafra Land. Aba is the spiritual capital of Biafra land. We started in Aba in 2015 at CKC (Christ the King Catholic Cathedral). That day, heaven authenticated our move that IPOB will restore Biafra and that’s what we’ve come to do. We died in Aba; At National High School.

    “They shot and killed us in other places in Biafra land when they were protesting for my release. As our people rest in the grave, we’ll never rest until Biafra is restored. I don’t care what they say in Abuja. I don’t give a damn what they say in Lagos.  “I’m a Biafran and we are going to crumble the zoo. Some idiots who are not educated said that they’ll arrest me, and I ask them to come. I’m in Biafra land. If any of them leaves Biafra land alive know that this is not IPOB. Tell them that’s what I said.

    “Tell buhari that I’m in Aba and any person who comes to arrest Nnamdi Kanu in Biafra land will die here. I’ll never go on exile I assure you.

    “Some people talk about restructuring, are we doing restructuring of Nigeria now? Are we doing fiscal federalism? Are we doing devolution? What we want is Biafra!

    “Forget all the nonsense they write about us. We are not slowing down and no man born of a woman can stop us. They thought we are joking and God gave us a simple message that no one can stop us. The movement to restore Biafra is unstoppable.

    “God sent me to you, Aba people and I am giving you His message. Our veterans here, your own message is that you’ll see Biafra alive not in death.

    “The message of heaven is what I bring to you. Don’t be afraid. The plans of our enemies are not going to be actualized. The enemies are planning, but we are formidable.

    “We are going to boycott Anambra State election. After Anambra 2017, in 2019, there’ll be no elections in Biafra land. Signed and sealed. My message is that there’ll not be election in Biafra land ever again until they give us date for referendum.”

     

  • Nnamdi Kanu’s release excites MASSOB

    Nnamdi Kanu’s release excites MASSOB

    The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign state of Biafra (MASSOB) has expressed gladness over the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) from Prison.

    MASSOB leader, Uchenna Madu in statement said: “We rejoice with millions of Biafrans all over the world, it is a stepping progress towards Biafra actualization and restoration. It is a triumph of light over darkness.”

    According to MASSOB, his release has opened a new dimension to Biafra struggle  which must continue to be anchored on non-violence, mutual understanding and unity of purpose.

    “As Nnamdi Kanu regained freedom, MASSOB will continue with other progressive groups and individuals to press further for the release of other pro Biafra detainees across Nigeria prisons.

    “MASSOB as the most prominent pro Biafra group that supports Mazi Nnamdi Kanu believes that there are credible Igbo senators and Jewish religious leaders who can stand for Nnamdi Kanu. Standing for Nnamdi Kanu means standing for Ndigbo because we still have credible senators which have been proved by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who can never be intimidated or subjected to cowardice because of the conditions of the bail granted to Nnamdi Kanu.

    “MASSOB did not shake or entertain fears or jittery over the stringent bail conditions granted to Nnamdi Kanu because we know that the people of Biafra are capable of dismounting  any confrontational strongholds against the actualization and restoration of Biafra.

    The bail conditions established against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal government of Nigeria is a soft landing subtly given to themselves to ease their shame.

    “MASSOB salutes and hails the oneness of unifying forces of Igbo senators led by Ike Ekweremadu and Enyinnaya Abaribe with the backup of Igbo governors and other prominent Nigerians in their swift response in perfecting the bail conditions of our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. If such brotherhood tempo continues, Ndigbo will achieve any height in Nigeria without much difficulties,” concluded the statement.

     

  • Igbo coalition flays Yakassai for chiding Biafra struggle

    Igbo coalition flays Yakassai for chiding Biafra struggle

    A coalition of Igbo groups, Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) Tuesday came hard on elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai over his recent utterances against the Biafra struggle.

    The ECA made its stand known at its special session, attended by several Igbo leaders in Enugu where detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was elected as its new leader.

    Others elected included Rev Fr. John Odey- Publicity Secretary, Evang. Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko- Secretary, Dede Uzor A Uzor- Assistant Publicity Secretary, while Chief (Mrs.) Maria Okwor, remains Matron and Deputy Leader. ECA Patrons remain, Prof Ben Nwabueze, Dr Alex Ekwueme and Archbishop Anthony Obinna.

    In a communique issued after the election, signed by the Deputy Leader, Chief Mrs. Maria Okwor and the Publicity Secretary, Rev. Fr. John Odeh, the ECA described Yakassai’s recent outburst against Biafra agitation as misplaced.

    The group told Yakassai that “your claimed annoyance over the agitation for secession by the great IPOB is misplaced.

    “Alhaji Tanko should kindly provide answers as to why Zamfara State with NPC acclaimed population of over 5 million people should immunize only 74,000 under 5 year children during the anti-polio vaccination exercise, while Imo State with NPC population of under 3 million immunized over 300,000 thousand.

    “JAMB and WAEC figures year after year also confirm the fraudulent census figures; Zamfara and Sokoto states with a combined NPC alleged population of over 11 million enroll only 40 thousand candidates while Anambra state alone with an NPC population of 3 million produces over 400 thousand candidates. Man’s inhumanity to Man.”

    Insisting on restructuring, the ECA said, “the fraudulent and oppressive census figures is one of the reasons the East can no longer accept Nigeria as presently structured.

    “The deliberate asphyxiation of our people with a very wicked state and local government creation based on land mass is another reason sir.”
    “The refusal to peacefully restructure Nigeria sir is the reason the demand for secession is growing louder and louder. The demand dear sir will only grow louder until justice is done sir.

    “As for Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu and his Northern delegate to the confab forum, we say your position by opposing the peaceful restructuring of Nigeria excites and fuels the secessionists.”

    The Igbo group equally lauded the new Ohanaeze Leadership “for standing on the side of the people, a welcome breath of fresh air in comparison with past cowardly Ohanaeze leaderships.”
    Meanwhile in his acceptance speech presented by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, represented by the new IPOB coordinator, ‎Mazi George Onyeibehe said: ‎”I hope all the affiliate groups in this coalition will soon join hands with us in our peaceful and non-violent pursuit of a referendum that will allow the people decide their future.

    “I commend the ECA and strongly believe that I will not let you down. Once again, I say thank you for this great honour”.

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