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  • Nnamdi Kanu: No court can try case rooted in repealed charges – Emma Powerful

    Nnamdi Kanu: No court can try case rooted in repealed charges – Emma Powerful

    The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has said no court in the common law world can try a case based on repealed charges or one that violates double jeopardy.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, called on Justice Omotosho to strike out the ongoing “bogus” charge against Nnamdi Kanu.

    He said the charges against the IPOB leader, brought under the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013, were repealed in full on 12 May 2022 by the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (TPPA) 2022 (Section 97).

    According to him, on 13 October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted Kanu, and under Section 249(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, this operates as acquittal.

    He added that Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution bars retrial, citing FRN v. Saraki (2018) 16 NWLR (Pt. 1646) 433, which held that jurisdictional discharge equals final acquittal.

    “On 13 October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted Mazi Kanu – a verdict that under Section 249(1), ACJA 2015 operates as acquittal; Section 36(9), 1999 Constitution bars retrial; FRN v. Saraki (2018) 16 NWLR (Pt. 1646) 433: Jurisdictional discharge equals final acquittal.

    “The Supreme Court’s reversal without curing this defect is constitutional arson,” the statement read.

    It further cited A.G. Federation v. A.G. Abia State (2002) 6 NWLR (Pt. 764) 542, which held that courts cannot revive repealed statutes, and Section 6(3) of the Interpretation Act 2004, which states that repeal ends pending proceedings unless saved, noting that no saving clause applies.

  • Okigwe Prison break: IPOB exonerates ESN, says Police aware of attackers

    Okigwe Prison break: IPOB exonerates ESN, says Police aware of attackers

    The Leadership of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has exonerated its militia arm, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, from the attack on Okigwe Correctional Centre in Imo State.

    The Nigeria Police had accused ESN for responsible of the attack which IPOB said was false.

    A statement issued on Wednesday, by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, said the Police are aware of those behind the attack on the facility.

    The statement read in part“The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great prophet and liberator, Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu Kanu condemn the atrocious activity of Nigeria police at Okigwe Correctional farm centres and we also debunk the fallacious and fabricated media blackmail from the Nigeria Police, Imo Command accusing IPOB/ESN operatives as behind the attack at the Correctional facility in Okigwe Imo State.

    “IPOB/ESN was never responsible for the attack on the facility or any attack at Okigwe Imo State.

    “It is pathetic on the part of the Imo State Police Command, who is most of the time in bed with the rampaging criminals in Imo State. Imo State Police is aware of those behind the alleged attacks at Okigwe Correctional Center, but because there is an agenda to blackmail IPOB/ESN, they had to pin the attack on IPOB.

    “If Nigeria Police has the ability to pin attacks on IPOB and ESN within minutes of something happening without investigation, why do we still have cases of unresolved high-profile killings in Nigeria?”

    Powerful argued that no group can successfully attack a prison facility and free seven inmates without the knowledge of security agents.

    He added: “Let Nigerians not be deceived. No armed group can successfully carry out prison attacks and free only seven (7) inmates and prisoners without the collaboration of the government and its security agencies.

    “They have selected those they wanted to free. Owerri and Suleja Correctional facilities are fortified security areas that make it impossible to carry a successful jailbreak without powerful security resistance.

    It stated that the two prisons were attacked very smoothly and successfully without resistance, adding the latest alleged Okigwe prison attack and the successful release of seven (7) prisoners are surely masterminded by the Nigeria Police.

    IPOB, advised the public not to be fooled, saying that the latest attack could either be one of the media blackmailings of IPOB/ESN or Mazi Nnamdi Kanu or both, but that is dead on arrival.

    Nothing that the attackers of the facility, may have carried out the break to free some arrested criminals and accomplices that may have the potential to blow up the government’s covert operations.

  • Kanu set aside every Monday as economic empowerment day in South-

    Kanu set aside every Monday as economic empowerment day in South-

    Moved by the loss in opportunities following the enforcement of Monday sit-at-home in the South East Zone, detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has suggested the setting aside of every Monday as an Economic Empowerment Day (EED) in the region.

    Kanu said the Economic Empowerment Day would be used for mass mobilisation of residents to devote their resources and means towards reversing the sharp and unprecedented decline in the economic, educational, and social needs of the people occasioned by the prolonged sit-at-home.

    A statement by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, encouraged the people to embark on massive deployment of their resources for the empowerment of the educationally- disadvantaged and poverty- ridden population of the people through education, employment, health services, sense of identity and community to grow the economy of the region

    He said: “There is an urgent need to reclaim our lost glory by embarking on empowering our people with the resources they need to live beyond mere subsistence. Our people are known globally for hard work, resilience, and great achievements.

    “The implication of this EED is to devote significant time to adhere to our routine calendar schedule template strictly and uninterruptedly with a view to making up for the humongous time lost to the activities of misguided enforcers of unsanctioned Monday sit at home order.

    “Therefore, enough is enough. It is time you consolidate efforts to rebuild our once envied Eastern region, peaceful, accommodating, resilient people, illustrious, and great, and reclaim your glory among nations.”

  • Ekpa working for DSS – Emma Powerful alleges

    Ekpa working for DSS – Emma Powerful alleges

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has alleged that the factional leader, Mr Simon Ekpa was working for the Department of State Services (DSS), to bring down the group.

    Publicity Secretary of the group, Emma Powerful made the allegations in a press release on Monday, claiming that Ekpa was in 2016, trained by DSS and sent into IPOB as a mole.

    Ekpa, a Finland-based separatist leader, since the arrest of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu in 2021, claimed leadership of the group and later styled himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile.

    He is alleged to be responsible for the civil disobedience orders in the southeast region and is reported to be responsible for the violence unleashed on innocent people during the sit-at-home days.

    Although IPOB has constantly dissociated itself from the activities of Ekpa, the self-appointed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, he insists his actions are to demand the speedy release of Kanu.

    Powerful said: “Ekpa was prior to this period groomed by the Nigerian DSS to usurp the leadership of IPOB in 2016 but that evil plans failed woefully.

    “Simon Ekpa was the same person as the faceless Okwudili that DSS created in 2016 as the new leader of IPOB when our leader was in detention in 2016. Prior to this time, Simon was a hater of Ndigbo and particularly, IPOB in Finland. IPOB members in Finland will attest to this.

    “Simon Ekpa is the exclusive project of the Nigerian DSS, to create a situation of unrest and hostilities in the South East which the end product was to destroy the image of IPOB.”

    The group said if it was not so, the federal government would have taken certain steps to arrest his activities in the zone.

    “Why is the Nigerian government not making any effort to diplomatically engage the Finnish Government about the visible hostilities of Ekpa? Why did Nigeria suppress the Legal Investigation of Ekpa in Finland, also his court cases in Nigeria?”

    The group said if the federal government was serious about ending Ekpa’s rascality in the zone, it would have ordered the DSS to allow Kanu to address his followers through his social media channels.

    The group also called on its members to discountenance Ekpa while also challenging him to attempt to dish orders to IPOB members without using Kanu’s name and see that no one would listen to him.

  • IPOB speaks on printing Biafra currency, operation of government in exile

    IPOB speaks on printing Biafra currency, operation of government in exile

    The Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) on Wednesday explained their stance on printing Biafra currency and operation of  a government in exile.

    Emma Powerful, IPOB’s spokesman issued a warning to those he described as autopilot to desist from such a move.

    Powerful made this known via a statement he  signed and released on Wednesday.

    According to Powerful’s statement, IPOB has distanced itself from an autopilot group, declaring that the group has no faction.

    Powerful also distanced IPOB from those operating Radio Biafra in the United States.

    He noted that those operating under the guise of the Directorate of State are not members of IPOB.

    The statement read in parts: “We the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the command and leadership of the great liberator Nnamdi Kanu once again reiterate that IPOB is not part of the formation of Biafra government in exile anywhere.

    “The people behind the shambolic Radio Biafra government in exile in the USA are not IPOB members, and they should stop linking themselves to us.

    “Those piloting government in exile in the USA are not IPOB members, and they don’t mean well for Biafra freedom and restoration.

    “IPOB has no plan to print Biafra currency, stamps, and other important state documents because we are not yet a sovereign nation. If we print currencies now, where can they be used as legal tender?”

  • IPOB disowns Nnamdi Kanu’s self-proclaimed loyalist, Simon Ekpa

    IPOB disowns Nnamdi Kanu’s self-proclaimed loyalist, Simon Ekpa

    The Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), has noted that  Simon Ekpa the self-proclaimed leader and loyalist to its leader, Nnamdi Kanu is not their member.

    IPOB has now disclosed that the Finland-based disciple was not their member and will do everything to expose him.

    The Kanu-led group denied Ekpa against the backdrop of the five-day sit-at-home he declared across the South-East.

    According to Emma Powerful, the spokesman of IPOB, said the sit-at-home order declared by Ekpa had exposed him as an enemy of the group.

    A statement by Powerful said the order was aimed at destroying lives and properties in the South-East.

    “IPOB will stop at nothing from exposing Simon Ekpa. We must expose him for clarity’s sake, and nobody should link him with IPOB. He is not our member and can never be an IPOB member,” the statement read.

    The recent killings and destruction in the South-East have been linked to Ekpa.

    The Finland-based Biafra agitator recently ordered a five-day sit-at-home which led to the destruction of lives and properties in the South-East.

  • 2023: We have no intention to disrupt election – IPOB

    2023: We have no intention to disrupt election – IPOB

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has assured the general public that the body has no plans to disrupt the 2023 election in igboland.

    This was contained in a statement made available to pressmen by IPOB’s media and publicity, Emma Powerful on Saturday he said  there is no truth in any information circulating on alleged plans to disrupt election in 2023 in Igboland.

    The group rather accused the federal government of masterminding insecurity in the South East, with the hope of causing fear and accusing IPOB of their deeds.

    Recall that a  video of a breakaway member of IPOB, Mr Simon Ekpa recently surfaced on the internet, where he said the group would not let any election hold in Biafraland.

    However, in a press release on behalf of IPOB, Powerful said: “The IPOB leadership has for umpteenth time stated unequivocally that part of our modus operandi in our agitation for freedom has never been, is not and will not be violent agitation.

    “This explains our consistent demand for the UN to organise a Referendum in the Biafran territory for the Biafran people to determine their destiny. To this effect, IPOB is neither contemplating nor will it encouraged or sponsor anyone or group to disrupt Nigeria shambolic selection process called election.

    “IPOB has constantly made it public that we have no interest in and cannot legitimise the aberration they call election in Nigeria. We are a focused, determined and disciplined freedom fighting movement not political thugs and IPOB is devoted to the cause of liberating our people from subjugation and from modern day slavery and Neo-colonialism and will not allow ourselves to be distracted from this very objective.”

    The group further explained that “IPOB is not interested and will never involve ourselves in any Nigeria fraudulent pre-election or post-election issues. Our job is to open the eyes of the blinds by the gospel of truth which our leader has delivered already.

    “Whoever that is sponsoring any group or gang tagging them IPOB is on his/her own. For those who are hard of hearing, IPOB is one indivisible family under one central command and leadership.

    “If in the future IPOB leadership decides to make further statement on the upcoming Nigeria selection process called election, we shall make such statement through our official channels.”

  • IPOB cancels Thursday sit-at-home in all Southeast states

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) says it has cancelled the May 26th sit-at-home it earlier announced.

    The group said the cancellation was as a result of the postponement of the court case of its leader Nnamdi Kanu, initially scheduled to come up on Thursday.

    This  was contained in a statement signed and released to pressmen  by IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful.

    Powerful urged the people of the Southeast to maintain restraint and keep their eyes on the ball

    He said the announcement became necessary in order to notify their members both home and abroad that Kanu’s court case in Abuja on May 26, has been postponed to June 28.

    He added  that IPOB was informed by the Federal High Court’s registrar, through its legal counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, that the case was postponed because Justice Binta Nyako was indisposed.

    The statement read in part, “IPOB has been informed why and what caused the sudden change of date and we accepted it, we just received the communication from the Federal High Court’s Registrar, through our legal counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, notifying us that the court will no longer be sitting tomorrow, May 26, 2022, on our leader’s case.

    “Therefore, there will be no sit-at-home in regard to tomorrow’s case instead sit-at-home will hold on  June 28, 2022.

    “According to the registrar, this is because Justice Binta Nyako is indisposed, and as such, the matter is now adjourned to June 28, 2022 for ruling and hearing.

    “We most respectfully, urge you all to maintain restraint, as you have always done. Keep your eyes on the ball, which is the freedom of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    “Also, please note that justice delayed is not justice denied. We are aggressively cruising to victory of our leader, it is only a matter of time. There is no sit-at-home again tomorrow. Biafrans should bear with us.

    “We profoundly appreciate your solidarity, unflinching support and prayers, which have been sustaining us thus far. Please do not relent in your prayers, we do not take them for granted. We shall continue to keep you all informed as events unfold.”

  • IPOB calls for arrest of anyone still enforcing Monday sit-at-home in South-East

    IPOB calls for arrest of anyone still enforcing Monday sit-at-home in South-East

    The spokesman for the Indigenous People of Biafra, Emma Powerful, has said Monday sit-at-home order remained cancelled, adding that anybody still enforcing it was not its member and should be arrested.

     

    “The only day sit-at-home will be observed in Biafraland is when our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is appearing in court, and we shall, as usual, make it public for all to know,” he said.

     

    Powerful pointed out that the group is not responsible for the violence and criminal activities in the South-East.

     

    According to him, the unrest in the region should be blamed on another group, which he identified as Autopilots.

     

    He said, “We, the Indigenous People of Biafra under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to tell Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State that IPOB is not responsible for the criminality in the South-East, including Anambra State.

     

    “The governor should know that our enemies are committing atrocities using our name in their desperation to blackmail IPOB.

     

    “It is a certain criminal gang called Autopilots that are carrying out threats against people’s lives because of the non-existent Monday sit-at-home.

     

    “These people disturbing the peace of our people are not IPOB members. They should be treated as criminals. IPOB doesn’t shed blood. We are a peaceful movement.

     

    “We wish to reiterate once again that IPOB has cancelled Monday’s sit-at-home order, and anybody or group enforcing the relaxed order is not from IPOB. Any governor in the region who deems it fit to stop the non-existent Monday sit-at-home order in the region is free to do so.

     

    “Anyone caught adding to the pain of our people in the name of enforcing Monday’s sit-at-home order will be treated like the enemy that he or she is.

     

    “We, therefore, warn these agents of darkness using the name of IPOB to enforce a non-existent sit-at-home to desist.”

     

     

  • IPOB warns Soludo against going after its members

    IPOB warns Soludo against going after its members

    The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has assured the governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, of their cooperation but warned him against going after its members.

    IPOB warned Soludo not to succumb to advice of arresting, imprisoning, and killing its members in the State.
    Spokesman of IPB, Emma Powerful, warned that such a step would mark the beginning of Soludo’s failure as a governor.

    Powerful also cautioned the new governor against repeating the same mistake his predecessor, Willie Obiano made while in power.

    The group was reacting to Soludo’s recent comment that he was willing to work with the group to tackle insecurity in the State.

    According to Powerful: “Anambra State governor professor Charles C.Soludo in other to succeed must not take seriously those or anyone whether part of his government or not that will advice him to arrest, imprison, and kill IPOB family members in Anambra State because if he listens to those criminal political harlots, that will be the beginning of his failure as a governor.

    “We, therefore, advise Soludo to remain focused on his vision and mission and shun distractions and bad advice from evil politicians. He should not repeat the mistakes of his predecessor Willie Obiano, who allowed himself to be used by Fulani people to persecute our people.

    “They killed our people at Nkpor in 2016 during our annual remembrance of our fallen heroes and heroines who paid the ultimate price for our freedom between 1967 and 1970, yet the Governor never asked questions.

    “IPOB is a peaceful movement working hard to restore Biafra independence. We will never give up on our agitation until we are given a date for a referendum to decide our fate as a people.

    “We are ready to work with anyone in Government who works for the interest and liberty of our people. Professor Charles Soludo is a seasoned technocrat, and an accomplished Igbo who should use his wealth of knowledge to develop our land. We are willing to support him as long as he will not turn to be a willing instrument in the hands of our oppressors to persecute our people, especially Biafra agitators. We wish him success in office.”