TheNewsGuru

Tag: IPOB

  • Peter Obi’s mandate is divine and can never be truncated – IPOB

    Peter Obi’s mandate is divine and can never be truncated – IPOB

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has warned those linking the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, to the recent attack at the US convoy in Anambra State to desist from the allegation.

    Spokesperson of the group Emma Powerful, in a statement described it as mere demonization by those that does not want Obi to succeed.

    According to the statement, Obi’s mandate is divine and can never be truncated by anyone.

    Speaking on the report that his members were part of the attack as alleged by the Nigeria security, Powerful said “It is important to note that those accusing IPOB of being behind the attack on the US Embassy convoy are the real masterminders.

    He alleged that those behind it were also responsible for killing most of its innocent members in the South East.

    “Their quest to blackmail IPOB globally has led them into assassinating innocent people in Biafra Land. For instance, these government agents assassinated Gulak in Owerri, and they assassinated an army couple in an undisclosed location in Biafra.

    “They assassinated Dr. Akunyili in Anambra (late Dora Akunyili’s husband). In all these and many more of the state-sponsored murder cases, IPOB was accused, and to date, police never investigated any of them.”

    Powerful also argued that its intelligence unit saved ex-British High Commissioner Catriona Laing in 2022 from being killed when she proposed visiting the country.

    “If not for the Intel from IPOB M-Branch on the plans to assassinate ex-British High Commissioner, Catriona Laing, in 2022 and the warning from IPOB leadership for her not to visit South East, they would have assassinated her too.

    “This recent attack on the US Embassy convoy is likely another state-sponsored attack to discredit the peaceful IPOB movement and to make South East more unsafe for investors to continue coming to Biafra to invest. Again, they are late because our call for investors has already started yielding fruit.

    And warning those linking Obi to the US envoy attack, Powerful said: “Those linking Peter Obi to these attacks on US Embassy Convoy are the ones that fingers are pointing to regarding the crisis happening in the south East region.

    “There is no way they can link innocent Peter Obi to it because he is from Anambra State. Does that mean that all the attacks happening in Adamawa State and Katsina State were caused by Atiku Abubakar and the Buhari in Aso Rock, respectively?

    “No matter how ESN security work is, it can never be deemed good or right by the Nigerian government and its security agents. What is the justification to link Peter Obi to the criminalities going on in the Southeast?

    “Can it also be said that all the banditry and terrorism happening in Northern Nigeria is masterminded by their criminal politicians whose evidence shows that they aid and abet terrorists?

    “We are aware that several terrorist and bandit groups in the North are sponsored by the unscrupulous elements around them there. We should be asking, why are they mentioning Peter Obi?

    “Is it because he summoned up the courage to contest their selection process called an election and won by a landslide? They are now robbing him of the mandate given to him by the people of Nigeria because he is an Igbo man.”

     

  • IPOB calls on Igbos in Lagos, other parts of Nigeria to join May 30 sit-at -home order

    IPOB calls on Igbos in Lagos, other parts of Nigeria to join May 30 sit-at -home order

    The Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) has called on the Igbos residing and doing business in Lagos and other parts of the country to participate in the May 30th sit-at-home order.

    While issuing out the directive, IPOB urged the Igbos to pray with lighted candles and observe three minutes of silence on May 30th.

    The May 30th Sit -at-home order was disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful.

    The statement reads in part “Biafrans in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria are encouraged to join the sit-at-home order on that day; it’s only one day.

    “We, therefore, advise Biafrans and other residents in Biafra territory to avoid endangering their lives or their businesses by obeying the sit-at-home order from IPOB leadership.

    “Wherever our people are or gathered on that day, they must pray with lighted candles and must observe 3 minutes of silence immediately at 12 noon,” the statement reads partly.

    IPOB had declared a sit-at-home on May 30 to remember those killed during the Biafra struggle and the agitation so far.

    The group had directed a total lockdown of marketplaces, churches, schools, and all social gatherings on May 30th.

    The IPOB sit -at -home will be coming just one day after president -elect, Bola Tinubu would have been inaugurated.

  • Why Buhari must release Nnamdi Kanu before May 29 – Iwuanyanwu

    Why Buhari must release Nnamdi Kanu before May 29 – Iwuanyanwu

    The new President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to release the Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from DSS prison.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Chief Iwuanyanwu made the call at his inauguration as the new president-general of the apex Igbo body held at the old Government Lodge in Enugu on Sunday during the Imeobi meeting (inner caucus) of the group.

    Iwuanyanwu said Kanu is very crucial for any key discussion to bring peace to the South East and that it is not possible to negotiate any peace while the leader of the proscribed IPOB is in prison.

    Iwuanyanwu said the security situation in Southeast was very disturbing, adding that there was very urgent need for a Peace Summit in Igboland.

    “I will therefore make a special appeal to Mr. President, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu before the expiration of his tenure in May 29.

    “Kanu is very crucial for any key discussion and it is not possible to negotiate any peace while Nnamdi Kanu is in prison.

    “It is also important to note that the judiciary has discharged and freed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. It will be the joy of many Igbo people and Nigerians to see Mazi Nnamdi Kalu released from detention,” Iwuanyanwu said.

    He added that there was a report that his health was deteriorating and, “I feel it is important that he is released to have access to his medical doctors so that he does not die in the prison”.

    Iwuanyanwu said he never nurtured the ambition to be the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, instead, he had the ambition of becoming the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “I contested for the Presidency on three occasions but I did not succeed. I took my losses in good composure knowing fully well that as a Christian, all powers and promotion come from God.

    “But today, destiny has placed squarely on my shoulders the duty of leading the Igbos as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

    “I therefore have a duty to valiantly defend Igbo course and I promise Ime-Obi and all Igbo people that by the grace of God I will not fail them,” he promised.

    The inauguration was attended by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state, Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra state and other prominent Igbo leaders like Labour party presidential candidates, Peter Obi, Enugu governor-elect and former Imo State governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim.

    Others were members of the National Assembly; Ministers;Chief Adolphus Wabara; former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, amongst others.

    The governors of Ebonyi, who is the Chairman, South-East Governor’s Forum, David Nweze Umahi, Imo Governor, Hope Uzodinma and Abia state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu who were absent at the meeting, were represented by their deputies.

    TNG reports Iwuanyanwu promised to serve the Igbos diligently and defend their course.

  • Court grants FG leave to file 9 new grounds against Nnamdi Kanu’s release

    Court grants FG leave to file 9 new grounds against Nnamdi Kanu’s release

    The Supreme court on Thursday granted leave to the Federal Government to file nine new grounds of appeal against the release of Nnamdi Kanu the leader of the proscribed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    A five-member panel of Justices led by Justice John Okoro granted leave while ruling in the motion by the counsel to the federal government, Mr Tijani Gadzali.

    The apex court also granted leave to the federal government to include the nine new grounds as part of its amended notice of appeal dated 28th October 2022.

    At the resumed hearing, Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, informed the court of his Motions seeking for bail of his client and another seeking for his transfer to kuje correctional facility to get proper medical attention citing his failing health at DSS custody.

    He also prayed for an accelerated hearing of the matter.

    However, speaking on the motion for transfer of Kanu out of the custody of the DSS, the Counsel to the federal government, prayed for an adjournment to file a counter affidavit stating that he just took over the Matter.

    But in opposition to Ozekhome’s requests, the lawyer to the federal government, Gadzali, argued that the DSS detention centre has adequate resources to attend to Kanu’s health needs.

    After listening to the arguments, the panel advised Ozekhome to withdraw his applications to pave way for a speedy hearing of the main suit.

    It also directed Gadzali to file the appellant’s brief within six days from Thursday.

    The Court subsequently fixed may 11 for hearing on the pending motion and the main appeal.

    Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court against the recent Court of Appeal ruling halting his release from custody.

    He appealed against the October 28 decision of the Court of Appeal Abuja which stayed the execution of its earlier order acquitting him of all charges and directing his release from custody.

    A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, had stayed the execution of its earlier judgement freeing Kanu of terrorism and treasonable felony charges.

    Kanu has been in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) since he was arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria in June last year.

    The appellate court had on October 13, 2022 ordered the IPOB leader’s release, having dismissed the remaining six-count charge levelled against him by the federal government.

    However, the federal government asked the Court of Appeal to stay the execution of the judgment freeing Kanu, pending the resolution of an appeal it filed at the Supreme Court.

    Dissatisfied with the court’s ruling, Kanu’s lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome, filed an appeal predicated on three grounds at the apex court.

    In the appeal dated November 3, 2022, the IPOB leader sought an order of the Supreme Court setting aside the decision of the Court of Appeal made on October 28.

    In addition, Kanu also asked the Supreme Court to restore the execution of the appellate court’s verdict of October 13, freeing him.

    In another ground of appeal, Kanu argued that the Court of Appeal erred in law when it heard and determined an application for a stay of execution of its judgment in a criminal suit.

    In ground two, the IPOB leader contended that the appellate court erred when it failed to evaluate the evidence led by his legal team.

    “That by staying execution of a judgment that was essentially declaratory, the lower court which ought to defend the integrity of the judicial process literally overruled itself and vacated its own judgement even before the apex court has heard it” Ozekhome argued.

    The Court of Appeal in its decision of October 13, held that Kanu’s forcible extradition from Kenya to Nigeria in June last year was in violation of both local and international laws.

    Consequently, the court dismissed the terrorism charges filed against Kanu before Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Kanu has remained in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) since his return to Nigeria.

  • Court grants FG to file 9 new grounds against Nnamdi Kanu’s release

    Court grants FG to file 9 new grounds against Nnamdi Kanu’s release

    The Supreme court on Thursday granted leave to the Federal Government to file nine new grounds of appeal against the release of Nnamdi Kanu the leader of the proscribed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    A five-member panel of Justices led by Justice John Okoro granted leave while ruling in the motion by the counsel to the federal government, Mr Tijani Gadzali.

    The apex court also granted leave to the federal government to include the nine new grounds as part of its amended notice of appeal dated 28th October 2022.

    At the resumed hearing, Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, informed the court of his Motions seeking for bail of his client and another seeking for his transfer to kuje correctional facility to get proper medical attention citing his failing health at DSS custody.

    He also prayed for an accelerated hearing of the matter.

    However, speaking on the motion for transfer of Kanu out of the custody of the DSS, the Counsel to the federal government, prayed for an adjournment to file a counter affidavit stating that he just took over the Matter.

    But in opposition to Ozekhome’s requests, the lawyer to the federal government, Gadzali, argued that the DSS detention centre has adequate resources to attend to Kanu’s health needs.

    After listening to the arguments, the panel advised Ozekhome to withdraw his applications to pave way for a speedy hearing of the main suit.

    It also directed Gadzali to file the appellant’s brief within six days from Thursday.

    The Court subsequently fixed may 11 for hearing on the pending motion and the main appeal.

    Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court against the recent Court of Appeal ruling halting his release from custody.

    He appealed against the October 28 decision of the Court of Appeal Abuja which stayed the execution of its earlier order acquitting him of all charges and directing his release from custody.

    A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, had stayed the execution of its earlier judgement freeing Kanu of terrorism and treasonable felony charges.

    Kanu has been in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) since he was arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria in June last year.

    The appellate court had on October 13, 2022 ordered the IPOB leader’s release, having dismissed the remaining six-count charge levelled against him by the federal government.

    However, the federal government asked the Court of Appeal to stay the execution of the judgment freeing Kanu, pending the resolution of an appeal it filed at the Supreme Court.

    Dissatisfied with the court’s ruling, Kanu’s lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome, filed an appeal predicated on three grounds at the apex court.

    In the appeal dated November 3, 2022, the IPOB leader sought an order of the Supreme Court setting aside the decision of the Court of Appeal made on October 28.

    In addition, Kanu also asked the Supreme Court to restore the execution of the appellate court’s verdict of October 13, freeing him.

    In another ground of appeal, Kanu argued that the Court of Appeal erred in law when it heard and determined an application for a stay of execution of its judgment in a criminal suit.

    In ground two, the IPOB leader contended that the appellate court erred when it failed to evaluate the evidence led by his legal team.

    “That by staying execution of a judgment that was essentially declaratory, the lower court which ought to defend the integrity of the judicial process literally overruled itself and vacated its own judgement even before the apex court has heard it” Ozekhome argued.

    The Court of Appeal in its decision of October 13, held that Kanu’s forcible extradition from Kenya to Nigeria in June last year was in violation of both local and international laws.

    Consequently, the court dismissed the terrorism charges filed against Kanu before Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Kanu has remained in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) since his return to Nigeria.

  • Ohanaeze talks tough, declares Simon Ekpa dangerous terrorist

    Ohanaeze talks tough, declares Simon Ekpa dangerous terrorist

    The Igbo socio-political organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Tuesday condemned self-styled Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, describing him as one of the most dangerous terrorists in Africa operating from Finland.

    Ohanaeze’s Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro said Ekpa and his paymasters can’t force Igbos into a civil war.

    In a statement, Isiguzoro described Ekpa as an enemy of the Igbo nation while distancing itself from the formation of the unity government.

    Isiguzoro said, “Ohanaeze worldwide views with great distaste and condemnation” the purported declaration by Simon Ekpa, leader of the Ekpa Killer Squad (Autopilots) as a “Biafran Prime Minister in Exile”.

    “Indeed, this latest episode, an orchestrated attempt by the Finland-based Igbo enemy, who has made himself a ready tool in the destruction of Ala-Igbo can only be blamed on his “deliberate pampering” by the Finnish and Nigerian Governments after detailed reports of heightening terrorism from his Finnish base, including reports from a Finnish journalist, who was in Enugu this February to personally interview families of victims of his terror attacks, which he boldly affirmed on Finnish Television was presented to the Finnish Government.

    “Ndigbo has rebutted and renounced in strong terms the formation of a purported Biafra Government in exile, by Simon Ifeanyi Njoku Ekpa who is seen as the greatest enemy of Ndigbo in the last 200 years and one of the most dangerous terrorists in Africa and operating from Finland, if the Nigerian Government fails to check this ugly development, Ekpa’s game-plan is to plunge Nigeria into another undeserved Civil War.

    ”Ndigbo are now given a standing order to capture Ekpa dead or alive, he must not be allowed to escape justice as the leader of the most dreadful killer squad in the Southeast whose sole aim is to destabilize the Southeast with his satanic agenda of leading another Civil War against Nigeria.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, Ndigbo can never be pushed into fighting another war, regardless of the provocations of Ekpa and his paymasters who surprisingly are hurt by the ongoing fraternity existing between Ndigbo and their Yoruba siblings and are hell-bent on thwarting it.

    “From declaring a 5 Day sit-at-home in the South-East during the Presidential election to the declaration of Sit-at-home in Lagos, Ekpa has only one agenda- the destruction of Ala-Igbo, to fulfil his paymaster’s political ambitions.

    “Indeed, his latest drama is aimed at distracting the Labour Party, LP, Presidential candidate from the pursuit of his Pan-Nigerian mandate at the election tribunal by questioning his belief in Nigeria when his people are pressing on with Biafra and now have a “Prime Minister in exile.”

    Ohanaeze urged the Nigerian and Finnish Governments to delay no further in extraditing Ekpa to Nigeria to face prosecution for crimes against humanity.

    “That is the only thing that will be a deterrent to Ekpa and his co-travellers,” he added.

  • “Don’t Wear Uniforms Outside Barracks”, Army Cautions Soldiers

    “Don’t Wear Uniforms Outside Barracks”, Army Cautions Soldiers

    Insecurity: Army advise soldiers not to wear uniforms outside barracks

    The army has advised soldiers to be more cautious of moves outside barracks in an internal memo addressed to commanders.

    They were also cautioned to check their language in public and to refrain from saying anything hurtful that would inflame things.

    See memo below:

    “I am directed to inform All Officers and Men of the Command of a planned attack by aggrieved group (IPOB) on security agencies in the South East.

    Intelligence revealed that the aggrieved group claimed that several of their members were killed in Abia on 31st March, 2023.

    “To ensure your safety and security of our formation and officers; it is advisable to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

    “It is also essential to watch your language in public spaces and avoid making any inflammatory remarks that could escalate tensions.

    “Please follow the instructions given in the message, including remaining vigilant, carrying your rifles while on guard duty, and refraining from wearing your uniform outside office premises/ barracks.

    “Please follow the instructions given to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Thank you for your continued dedication

    Recall the South-East and South-South attacks against military and police units were previously attributed by the Nigerian government to IPOB.

    However, this group has consistently denied taking part in the attacks. The movement to carve out an independent state of Biafra from the South-East and some regions of the South South of Nigeria is being led by IPOB.

    Nnamdi Kanu, the group’s leader, is now being held in Abuja while being tried for treason.

  • Eze Ndigbo remanded in prison over threat to bring IPOB to Lagos

    Eze Ndigbo remanded in prison over threat to bring IPOB to Lagos

    A Sabo-Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State, on Wednesday, remanded a leader of Igbo community in Lagos State,  Eze Ndigbo Fredrick Nwajagu, for allegedlly threatening to bring the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to the state.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr Peter Nwaka, ordered that the defendant, aged 67, should be kept at the Ikoyi custodial facility for 30 days.

    He adjourned the case until May 3 for mention.

    Nwajagu, whose house address was not provided, is charged with conspiracy and breach of public peace.

    His plea was not taken.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, SP Thomas Nurudeen, told the court that Nwajagu and some others  at large committed the offences on March 26 at No. 2, Akeem Shitu St., Ajao Estate, Lagos State.

    He alleged that Nwajagu put fear in Lagos residents when he threatened to bring IPOB to the state.

    He submitted that Nwajagu publicly said that IPOB would shut Lagos State for one month.

    According to Nurudeen, the alleged offences contravene Sections 168 (d) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

  • Stop giving credence to IPOB – FG tells Western nations

    Stop giving credence to IPOB – FG tells Western nations

    The Federal Government has berated some western countries for giving credence to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a terrorist organisation.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave the admonition in Washington DC during his official engagements with some international media organisations and policy institutes.

    The minister is in Washington to engage with international media organisations and Think tanks on the just concluded 2023 polls

    “IPOB is a terrorist organisation so declared by the Nigeria Government, yet some western countries harbour them and have been dealing with the illegal body.

    “They allow them to raise fund, some allow them to lobby their Congress men and lawmakers and whatever fund they realise  they use it to destabilise the country,”  the minister said.

    Mohammed said it is hypocritical for the western world to claim it is fighting terrorism yet turn around to be supporting a terrorist organisation.

    The minister also used the opportunity of the interactions to call on the foreign media to stop regurgitating social media fables on the Nigeria’s 2023 elections on their platforms.

    He said they should be critical and interrogate the information they get on the social media before reporting them on their platforms.

  • IPOB Invitation: Arrested Igbo leader, Fredrick Nwajagu in DSS custody

    IPOB Invitation: Arrested Igbo leader, Fredrick Nwajagu in DSS custody

    The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Fredrick Nwajagu, the Eze Igbo of Ajao Estate in Lagos State.

    The Command also disclosed that Nwajagu had been taken into the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Igbo leader was arrested on Saturday by a joint team of policemen and operatives of DSS.

    This followed his threat to invite members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to secure the properties of Igbo people in the state.

    Speaking in a viral video on Friday, he said, “We must have our security so that they will stop attacking us at midnight, in the morning and in the afternoon.

    “When they discover that we have our security, they will think twice before attacking us. I am not saying a single word to be hidden.”

    He also charged the public to make his claims go viral.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said Nwajagu was arrested during a midnight raid.

    He said, “The operation was carried out at midnight. The security operatives didn’t meet him in his palace. But we found out through intelligence gathering that he had lodged in a hotel in Ejigbo.

    “He was traced to the location and arrested around 1 am.

    He is currently in the DSS custody where he is being investigated.”

    The spokesperson for DSS, Peter Afunaya, could not be reached for comment as calls made to his number were not answered.