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Tag: Nnamdi Kanu

  • 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.”

  • Biafra: Court refuses Kanu’s prayer to dismiss charges

    Biafra: Court refuses Kanu’s prayer to dismiss charges

    *Agrees to shielding witnesses from public glare
    A Federal High Court in Abuja Monday rejected a prayer by pro-Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu and two other for an order dismissing the charges against them.
    Justice James Tsoho, who rejected the prayer in a ruling, also elected to allow the shielding of prosecution witnesses from public glare in view of complaints by the prosecution that its witnesses were being threatened.
    Kanu, David Nwawusi and Benjamin Madubugwu – are being tried on a six-count charge of treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms and other offences bordering on their agitation for secession ‎of the Republic of Biafra from Nigeria.
    The defence lawyer, Chuks Muoma (SAN), argued that the prosecution has shown high level of impunity since since clients were first taken to court in October last year, and has been unserious with  the prosecution of the case.
    Muoka urged the court to dismiss the complaint by the prosecution about its inability to proceed without its witnesses being shielded.
    He contended that the request by prosecution for the court to vary its earlier order to allow for the shielding of witnesses was an invitation to the court to reverse itself having earlier ruled on the issue of witness protection.
    Muoka, who recalled the history of the case, accused the prosecution of being unserious and not being diligent in its handling of the case.
    He asked the court to apply the law by being guided by the provision of Section 351(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 in dismissing the charge against the defendants.
    “It is not that the court is not prepared to hear this case, not that the defendants are not ready for trial, but that the prosecution is not ready.
    “I most humbly apply that the charge against the defendants be dismissed and they be discharged and acquitted. And nd the prosecution not giving an opportunity to disregard the court, the court should specifically make an order, restraining the prosecution from further arraigning or arresting the defendants based on this or similar charges.”
    Before his submission, Muoka invited one of his junior colleagues, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who told the court that some men of the Department of State Service (DSS), with whom he had altercation before the commencement of court proceedings, had threatened to kill him. He urged the court to take note of the alleged threat to his life.

  • Biafra: Nnamdi Kanu drags FG to ECOWAS Court

    • Demands $800m compensation

    Director of Radio Biafra and Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has sued the federal government at the ECOWAS Court over alleged illegal detention.

    Kanu, who has been in custody since December 2015, is also demanding $800million from the federal government for his detention.

    Joined in the suit are the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and Director General of State Security Services (SSS).

    In a suit No ECW/CCJ/APP/06/16 filed at the Court in Abuja by his counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Kanu claims his continued detention violates Articles 1- 14 and 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

    He also said it was in gross violation of Articles 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 13, 17, 20, 21 and 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as resolution 2625 (XXV) of the United Nations Charter of 1970.

    Kanu also pointed out that rulings of Courts of competent jurisdiction and orders made directing the defendants to release him were flagrantly disobeyed.

    He further attached photographs and video clips of alleged genocidal massacre and unlawful killing of his supporters and members during a civil protest in Aba, Abia State.

  • Ohanaeze youths deny working with USA group to undermine Nnamdi Kanu

    Ohanaeze youths deny working with USA group to undermine Nnamdi Kanu

    The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC) has denied working with a United States-based group to undermine the Biafran cause.

    In a statement signed by the President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group said: “Our attention has been drawn to a rumour being peddled by some faceless people that OYC met with a USA -based group that came to Nigeria to betray the cause of Biafra.

    “The OYC has been at the forefront of the release of the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. We have always stood and called on the Federal Government to be fair, just and equitable to Ndigbo. We have interacted and continued to interact with MASSOB/IPOB leaders, with a view to finding an amicable solution to the issue on ground.

     “We call on all Igbo, both at home and in the Diaspora, to disregard the rumour, which is completely false. We must continue to seek for ways to address the issues and challenges confronting the Igbo nation within the context of a United Nigeria that is just, equitable and fair to all. We will not be deterred by the blackmail from enemies of Ndigbo in order to distract us, Radio Biafra should cross check their facts before broadcasting.”

    “Our advice to Biafra agitators in the Diaspora is to confirm any Information before disseminating it, as we believe that self determination is a just cause, but should be through Referendum. Finally, dialogue is the best way of resolving conflicts, as we are the major stakeholder in igboland. We are at the final stage to see Nnamdi Kanu regain his freedom and no calls and messages hate from enemies of Ndigbo will never distract us.”

  • Ohaneze begins talks with Presidency, monarchs on Kanu

    Ohaneze begins talks with Presidency, monarchs on Kanu

    The Pan Igbo social- cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, on Friday said it has started talks with the Presidency to ensure the release of Radio Biafra founder, Nnamdi Kanu, from detention.

    The body also said its leadership will commence discussions with the notable traditional rulers in the country for the same purpose.

    Although the group did not give details of its discussions and Presidency officials it met “for security reasons,” it noted that those consulted assured its representatives that something positive would come out of the consultations very soon.

    Ohaneze told journalists in Abuja on Friday that discussions were already at advanced stage between its leaders and top officials in the Presidency.

    The modus operandi, it said, was to employ political solution to the problem.

    The National President of the group youth wing, Mazi Okechukwu Iziguzoro, who spoke at a news briefing, said notable traditional rulers like the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar;  Ooni of Ife,  Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and the monarch of the Bornu Kingdom, had been consulted on the issue.

    Iziguzoro noted that Igbo leaders assured the Presidency and the royal fathers that they were prepared to prevail on Kanu to discontinue the operation of Radio Biafra if he is released.

  • Court refuses FG’s request to shield witnesses in Kanu’s trial

    Court refuses FG’s request to shield witnesses in Kanu’s trial

    Justice James Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja refused the prayer by the Federal Government allowing an arrangement where prosecution witnesses will be masked in the trial of pro-Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu and two of his associates.

    In a ruling Friday, the judge Was of the view that‎ the provisions of section 232 (4)(e) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 provides for such protection, sought by the prosecution, in only terrorism cases.

    The judge said the extension of such arrangement to cases other than terrorism would require an Act of the National Assembly providing for such.

    Kanu, David Nwawusi and Benjamin Madubugwu – are being tried on a six-count charge of treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms and other offences bordering on their agitation for secession ‎of the Republic of Biafra from Nigeria.

    The prosecution filed a motion on notice for February 9, 2016 praying for a number of protection measures for its which it said had been inundated with threat messages warning them not to testify in the case.

    Justice Tsoho, in his ruling Friday, held that the prosecution failed to draw the court’s attention to any law made by the National Assembly, allowing the masking of prosecution witnesses cases other than terrorism.

    He however granted other prayers in the application, including the one seeking the exclusion of names of the prosecution witnesses from records of proceedings.

    The judge restated his earlier order permitting only parties to the suit, their lawyers, accredited journalists and some of the relatives of the accused persons to attend the trial.

    He said though he appreciated the fear said to have been expressed prosecution witnesses, he ruled that details of the threat given by the prosecution were not sufficient.

    “I hold the respective view that while the fear of the fear is appreciated, it is not all prayers that can be granted,” the judge ruled.

    The judge upheld the submission of the defence lawyer, Chuks Muoma (SAN), who opposed the application on and among other grounds that allowing the witnesses to wear masks would deprive him (the judge) of watching the demanour of the witnesses while testifying.

    “There is no gain saying the fact that demeanour is crucial in criminal trial in evaluation of evidence,” he ruled while adding that “the look of the witness forms a key part of‎ his demanour.”

    He also rejected the prosecution’s argument that majority of its witnesses were residing in the place of dominance of the accused persons.

    The judge said his findings from the list of witnesses filed by the prosecution only one was said to be residing in Enugu‎, two were said to be residing in Enugu/Port Harcourt, while the rest were said to be living in either Lagos or Abuja.

    ‎Justice Tsoho noted that the Fed Govt has the capacity to protect its witnesses even without the court granting all the prayers sought in the application.

    Shortly after the judge ended his ruling, Muoma told the court that record of‎ some of the property seized from one of the accused persons (Nwawuisi) when he was arrested could not be found and urged the court to make appropriate directive about it.

    The property includes, a jeep, Toyota Camry, Toyota RAV 4, a Mercedez Benz and their spare keys.

    Prosecution lawyer, David Kaswe, promised to investigate the issue and report back to the court.

    The judge consequently adjourned to March 7 for trial.

  • Court rejects Kanu’s application for release of seized items

    Court rejects Kanu’s application for release of seized items

    Justice James Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday rejected application by pro-Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu for the release of some of his seized items not listed as exhibits in the trial.

    Kanu and his associates – David Nwawusi and Benjamin Madubugwu – are standing trial on a six-count charge of treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms and other offences bordering on their agitation for secession ‎of the Republic of Biafra from Nigeria.

    The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) created a scene before the commencement of proceedings when he refused to alight from vehicle that brought him and others to court.

    It took the intervention of his lawyer, Chuks Muoma (SAN) before Kanu allowed prison officials to lead him to the courtroom.

    The items Muoma said were confiscated from his client, but not listed as exhibits are Nigerian and British international passports, $2,200 and N87,000 cash respectively.

    Justice Tsoho dismissed the application for lack of merit.

  • 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….

  • Court denies Kanu, others bail

    Court denies Kanu, others bail

    A Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday dismissed the bail application of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPB) and founder, Radio Biafra.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi charged along with Kanu were also denied bail.

    Delivering ruling, Justice John Tsoho held that the applicants failed to meet up with the requirements to be admitted on bail.

    “The application is hereby refused and the applicants are ordered to be remanded in Kuje prison pending the determination of the case,’’ Tsoho held.

    Specifically, the judge held that the bail was refused because of the nature of the alleged crime against the accused persons – treasonable felony, conspiracy and possession of unlawful fire-arm.

    Tsoho said that, if granted bail, there was higher propensity for the applicants to continue with the agitation for the actualisation of the State of Biafra.

    “The contention between the prosecution and the defendants hinges on the un-disclaimed readiness of Kanu and his group to continue with their agitation and the mandate of the Federal Government to maintain law and order.

    “The court is therefore, inclined to believing that the applicants are prepared to stir unrest as submitted by the prosecution.

    “The first applicant (Kanu) is said to have a dual citizenship, being a citizen of Nigeria and Britain.

    “This dual status widens probability to escape from justice,’’ he held.

    Tsoho further said that in line with the provisions of Sections 162 and 168 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) applicant for bail shall fulfill some criteria.

    “These criteria include, but not limited to; the nature of charge, security of listed witnesses, pending criminal record of applicant, probability of applicant of not surrendering himself for trial and punishment allotted to crime committed.

    “From the addresses before me, it is clear that the applicants have failed to dispel the fears raised by the prosecution team.

    “The prosecution has urged the court to take judicial notice of the veracity of the charge and the life punishment the treason allegation attracts,’’ Tsoho said.

    The Judge also held that it was wrong for the defendant counsel to insinuate that the ACJA makes granting of bail mandatory.

    The Judge adjourned till Feb. 9 to Feb. 12 for definite trial.

    Speaking to newsmen after the session, Chief Chucks Muoma (SAN), counsel to the applicants said the decision would be appealed.

  • Okorocha denies calling for Kanu’s hanging

    Okorocha denies calling for Kanu’s hanging

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, on Wednesday described as unfounded and malicious the allegation that he called for the hanging of the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

    Okorocha in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr.  Sam Onwuemeodo, said the report published in the social media was a mere attempt to malign his image ahead of the 2019 general election.

    The statement reads:

    “The attention of the Imo State Government has once again been drawn to another fictitious allegation in the social media claiming that the state Governor had called for the hanging of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB).

    “Governor Okorocha does not know Nnamdi Kanu. He reads about him on the pages of newspapers like every other Igbo man or Nigerian. Whether he lives or dies, does not have any value to add to Governor Okorocha’s life including his politics. So one begins to wonder why Governor Okorocha should call for his hanging.

    “If he dies, will Okorocha become Director of Radio Biafra or IPOB leader? You ask again, whether one million Nnamdi Kanu could constitute any threat to Okorocha in anyway. The answer is obviously No. Then what is Okorocha’s interest in Kanu’s death or life that he would call for his hanging.

    “The elements behind this latest moonlight tale also claimed that the Imo Governor had made the call on January 15, 2016 in a meeting with what they called Igbo Elders’ Forum.

    “They did not mention the venue of the said meeting or those at the meeting. Incidentally, the same January 15, 2016 (Friday) was the day the Governor travelled out of the country for a brief vacation.”