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Tag: IPOB

  • Igbo-American military veterans write Tinubu, demand unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu

    Igbo-American military veterans write Tinubu, demand unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu

    The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has called for unconditional release of the detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    The group made the call on Thursday in a letter dated 26th February 2025 with the titled “OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT AND GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA” and addressed to President Bola Tinubu.

    The letter was signed by Chief Dr. Sylvester Onyia and Dr. Godson Obiagwu, President and Secretary of AVID, respectively.

    The veterans noted that the matter had transformed from the legal or judicial to the political and that it is now within the executive province and prerogatives of the President to order for Nnamdi Kanu’s immediate release.

    The letter while making reference to the pronouncement made by the Federal High Court on 26th October 2022 which held that “the manner of arrest and detention of the Applicant (Mazi Nnamdi Kanu) in Kenya, his continued detention in Abuja, his subjection to physical and mental trauma by the Respondents, the inhuman and degrading treatment meted out to the Applicant amounts to a brazen violation of the Applicant’s fundamental right to dignity of his person and threat to life under Section 34 (1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)”.

    The letter read in part: “By the plain interpretation of this judicial pronouncement, the further detention of Mr. Kanu after the issuance of this judgment has become arbitrary because the Government of Nigeria has a binding obligation to free him by virtue of the provisions of Section 287(3) of the Nigerian Constitution which states that: “The decisions of the Federal High Court, a High Court and of all other courts established by this Constitution shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by other courts of law with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Federal High Court, a High Court and those other courts, respectively.”

    To be sure, the Government of Nigeria does not need any further judicial process or Court order to implement this decision of the Federal High Court.

    “In December 2023, the Supreme Court of Nigeria (despite its remission of Mr. Kanu’s case to Nigeria’s Federal High Court for trial) decided against his initial detention, stating, inter alia, that: “The respondent (Mr. Kanu) was on bail and therefore in custody of the law when his home was illegally invaded by heavily armed military officers of the appellant (Federal Republic of Nigeria) causing him to flee from his home and the country to secure his life. In the face of such an attack, it was responsible for him to flee to secure his life and physical well-being. That is what any normal and reasonable human being would do in that circumstance to preserve his life and physical well-being. It is glaring that the consequences of that attack were intended or foreseeable. This is not arguable.

    “The appellant’s officials knew that their invasion of the respondent’s home caused him to tun away to secure his life and physical well-being. Yet during proceedings in the pending criminal case against him, they applied that his bail be revoked, that a warrant for his arrest be issued and his sureties forfeit their respective bail bond and that his trial in his absence be ordered because he had jumped bail and is not in court to stand his trial. But they knew that their illegal actions made it impossible for the respondent to be in court for his trial. In a situation such as this one, where the prosecution has taken extrajudicial actions against the defendant in a pending criminal case brought by it and made it impossible for the defendant who is on bail to be in court for his or her trial, it is wrong to treat such a defendant as having jumped bail in the sense that he is running from prosecution or running to avoid prosecution in the pending criminal case in respect of which he was granted bail.

    “The respondent did not intentionally and knowingly fail to appear in court. It was therefore wrong and malicious for the appellant that had cause the respondent to flee from his home and country to secure his life and that had therefore caused his unavoidable absence from court, to inform and thereby deceived the trial court that the respondent had jumped bail. On the basis of this deception, the appellant applied to the trial court for an order revoking the respondent’s bail, forfeiting the amount securing the bail bond of his sureties and an order issuing a bench warrant for his arrest. It is glaring from the record of the proceedings in the trial court that it granted the said orders prayed for by the appellant with knowledge of the fact that the respondent’s absence from court was caused by the invasion of his home by army officers of the appellant.

    “Therefore, the trial court knew that the said extra judicial and illegal actions of the appellant made it impossible for the respondent to be in court for his trial, that the respondent’s absence is not intentional or deliberate absence and that the respondent is not running from prosecution or running to avoid prosecution. In the light of the foregoing, the trial court acted unfairly and without rational and legal justifiable basis by its decisions revoking the respondent’s bail, forfeiting the amount securing the bail bond of his sureties and its order issuing a bench warrant for his arrest.

    “The orders were made on the basis of the false assumption that the respondent jumped bail. It was on the basis of the order of arrest of the respondent obtained under the false pretense that he jumped bail that his extradition or rendition from Kenya was carried out.

    “On 19th January, 2022, the High Court of Abia consequently rendered a judgment in favor of MAZI NNAMDI KANU, stating that: “The issue of the military invasion of [MAZI NNAMDI KANU’s] residential abode and premises at Isiama Afaraukwu Ibeku, Abia State on 10th September, 2017 by agents of [GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA] is so notorious and common knowledge that this Honorable Court cannot turn a blind eye to it. I am satisfied that [MAZI NNAMDI KANU] has proved the violation of his fundamental rights to dignity of human person, personal liberty and attempted violation of his right to life by [GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA] and or its agents and none of the Respondents in this Suit has shown any real justification for such conduct. It is the view of this Honorable Court that the Agent of the [GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA] set out as pythons to terminate the life of the [MAZI NNAMDI KANU]. In view of the foregoing the [MAZI NNAMDI KANU’s]

    Relief 1 and 7 succeed and it is hereby granted as prayed. The Applicant deserves an apology as prayed.” In its wisdom, the Court also stated that: “That the [GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA] is urged to show commitment to a peaceful resolution to the matter.”

    “On the strength of the foregoing, we hereby strongly urge the Government of Nigeria headed by His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to, without further ado, direct that MAZI NNAMDI KANU be released, either on the restoration of his unlawfully revoked bail or on a constitutional discontinuance of his prosecution.

    “Suffice it to say, that there is no gainsaying that this matter has transformed from the legal or judicial to the political, which is within the executive province and prerogatives of President Tinubu. And as the saying goes, the buck stops at the President’s table.

    “While thanking you for your anticipated sound discretion in halting this grave injustice, please permit us to also assure you of our abiding regards for your high office”.

  • Judge adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s trial indefinitely

    Judge adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s trial indefinitely

    Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), indefinitely.

    Justice Nyako gave the order after Kanu and his counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, insisted that the trial judge no longer had jurisdiction to preside over the case following her earlier recusal (withdrawal) from the matter.

    NAN reports that Justice Nyako had, on Sept. 24, 2024, recused (withdrew) herself from the trial of Kanu, after an oral application from the defence and the case file was transferred to the chief judge.

    However, the Chief Judge (CJ) of FHC, Justice John Tsoho sent the Kanu’s case file back to Justice Nyako for adjudication, insisting that a formal application must be made by the defence before the recusal could be accepted.

    When the matter was called on Monday, counsel to the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed the court that the case was for resumption of Kanu’s trial.

    “Your lordship will recall that on the last date of hearing, there was an oral application that your lordship should recuse yourself and the file be remitted back to the CJ.”

    “The CJ, who has the power, has sent back the file. We are ready to proceed with the trial and our witnesses are ready too.

    “In obedience to your lordship order, the proof of evidence and relevant documents have been served on the defence and we are ready to go on,” he said.

    Hardly had Awomolo ended his statement when Ejimakor interjected.

    “My lord, this honourable court has recused itself from the case and my lord has to tell us, first, why we are here before the learner silk could talk.

    “We don’t know why we are here because this court stands recused by the extant order,” Ejimakor said.

    Justice Nyako then explained that on Sept. 24, 2024, she sent the case file back to the CJ.

    “On Oct. 7, 2024, I got a memo from the CJ and it instructs as follows that if the defendant still wants a recusal, he should filed a formal application by way of motion on notice .

    “It was.minuted to me by the CJ. The CJ has not accepted by recusal and has minuted the file back to me.

    “So if you still want a recusal, you will file a motion on notice and the prosecution will join issues with you and it will be adjourned for ruling.

    “I have so many cases before me so it is not as if I am begging for a case,” the judge said.

    Responding, Ejimakor disagreed with Justice Nyako.

    “With due respect, even though we do not have the privy of the memo from the chief judge, the chief judge does not have the judicial power above this court.

    “The CJ is just the first among equals and his memo cannot override the subsisting order of this court that has been enrolled.

    “An ordinary administrative memo should not be allowed to override the order of this court. The order stands and we are guided by it,” Ejimakor insisted.

    “My advice is that you should go and file a formal application irrespective of your position.

    “The power vested in the CJ are not vested in me. He has the power to assign cases in line with the law.

    “You are just stalling your client’s case. File everything you want to and the prosecution will join issues with you,” the judge told Ejimakor.

    Ejimakor argued that there was no rule of the court that mandated a party to file an application when a recusal had already been done.

    While Ejimakor was addressing the court, Kanu cut in and asked his lawyer to keep quiet and sit down.

    “Mr Kanu, are you taking over from your lawyer?” Justice Nyako asked and the IPOB leader responded in affirmative.

    Awomolo, who expressed surprise at the development, said:he was embarrassed by the proceedings.

    The FG’s lawyer said after the explanation by the judge, the proper thing to do by Ejimakor was to either indicate if he would be filing a formal application or not.

    Ejimakor stood up to respond to Awomolo’s submission but the judge told him: “Mr Aloy, you have been disengaged. Don’t say anything.”

    Kanu then stood up from the dock to address the court.

    The IPOB leader insisted that his trial can no longer be before the judge.

    Turning to Chief Awomolo, Kanu said: “The Chairman of Body of Benchers is here distorting the laws.

    “This man is a grown up man and should be upholding the law.

    “Why is he turning the law upside down. I came here because of the respect I have for you (the court). God is my witness.”

    “I have not said anything that is contrary to anything.. I sent the case file to CJ and he sent it back to me,” Justice Nyako restated.

    “But he (the CJ) is wrong. The CJ supposed to go on appeal because you cannot preside over my case again; not today and not tomorrow.

    “Why must he insists that you must be on my case. You are bias. So I don’t want you on my case again. You stand recused,” Kanu said angrily.

    Against the development, Awomolo therefore applied for a trial date.

    “In view of the fact that the defendant has said that he will not make a formal application, I apply that my lord give a date for hearing,” the senior lawyer said.

    Responding, Kanu  said a memo from the CJ cannot override the order of the court.

    He recalled that Justice Tsoho, who is presently the CJ, had once presided over his case and he applied that he recused himself from his case.

    Kanu said during the time, he took Justice Tsoho to National Judicial Council (NJC) and he won, leading to Justice Tsoho’s withdrawal from his case.

    “Why is he insisting that his lordship should continue even after recusing herself?

    “Can a memo from the CJ overrides court order? The answer is no.

    “Justice Binta stands recused,” he said.

    The IPOB leader, who brought out some documents, said: “This is a National Judicial Policy of Nigeria. Please give it to Chief Awomolo, it seems he doesn’t know the law.

    “The rule of law is once an order of court is made, it can only be set aside on appeal. Please give him a copy.

    “It seems he doesn’t know. If you don’t like what Justice Nyako has done,  go on appeal. She is functus officio. Stop wasting your time.”

    When the judge said she would adjourned the case sine die (indefinitely) pending when the parties agree, Kanu said: “You cannot adjourn this case sine die because you have no jurisdiction to adjourn sine die.”

    Justice Nyako consequently adjourned the matter sine die (indefinitely).

    “The case is now in limbo. I have to adjourn sine die,” she said.

    However, Kanu kept shouting in the court: “Why must you insist you must take it. You have an agenda.”

    NAN reports that Kanu is facing a seven-count terrorism charge.

  • Imo: Police neutralise 6 IPOB/ESN terrorists, recover arms

    Imo: Police neutralise 6 IPOB/ESN terrorists, recover arms

    Operatives of the Imo Police Command’s tactical Unit have neutralised three notorious kingpins of Eastern Security Network (ESN), an armed wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Owerri.

    Adejobi said following credible intelligence, the police operatives located and launched a coordinated operation on the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area of the state on January 24.

    “Upon approach, the operatives, who came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists, demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.

    “The operation resulted in the neutralisation of six members of the terrorist group, with three being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock, 28; Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi, 22; and Kingsley Sunday, 21; all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area,” he said.

    The Force PRO said five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with eight operational motorcycles used by the group were recovered from the scene.

    According to him, prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021.

    Adejobi further hinted that the neutralised terrorists were involved in the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.

    “The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023,” he noted.

    He conveyed the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun’s, commendation to the gallantry and exceptional bravery of the operatives.

    “The IGP charges police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025.

    “The Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety,” he stressed.

    The Force PRO urged members of the public to remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.

  • Two soldiers killed during raid by IPOB’s armed wings In Imo

    Two soldiers killed during raid by IPOB’s armed wings In Imo

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday confirmed the death of two undisclosed officers following an attack by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    According to the Army,  the 34 Artillery Brigade recorded a loss even though the military operation carried out  killed an unspecified number of criminals.

    The report also indicated that the operation which occurred on Friday witnessed a raid on members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State.

    “The troops while returning from routine patrols responded to a distress call of IPOB/ESN attack on Osina Community, on arrival, the troops engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower as the dissidents withdrew in disarray.

    “Unfortunately, 2 security agents had been killed in action and 1 other missing in action and their weapons, an AK 47 Rifle and a Tear Gas Launcher were carted away by the terrorists,” the Army said.

    The statement revealed that the corpses of the slain were officers subsequently recovered and the troops proceeded to pursue the fleeing terrorists.

    The Troops, again, met with another set of IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, where a gun duel ensued and led to the death of one.

    While others fled into the nearby forest, the Army said its troops pursued the criminals into Umalouma forest where a further gunfire broke out.

    “The dissidents finally abandoned their weapons due to the troops’ superior firepower and scampered into the thickly forested area with severe gunshot injuries.

    “An additional five (4) Ak-47 rifles, one (1) Fabrique Nationale Rifle and five (2) Magazines were recovered. A total of six (5) AK 47 Rifles and a Tear Gas Launcher were recovered,” the statement said.

  • Kidnap suspect disguising as IPOB arrested in Anambra

    Kidnap suspect disguising as IPOB arrested in Anambra

    The Police Command in Anambra has apprehended a suspect, Chukwuma Obi who disguises as a member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to issue kidnapping threat to unsuspecting residents.

    SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Awka.

    “The suspect is accused of demanding for N1.2 million through threats of abduction.

    “The victim reported receiving a menacing message from an individual claiming to be a member of the proscribed IPOB, threatening abduction unless the demanded ransom was paid into a specified account.

    “During the arrest of the suspect the sum of N1.2 million was recovered,” he said.

    Ikenga said that Obi, a 32-year-old male, hails from Umuagu Village, Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

    According to him, operatives of the Anambra police command arrested the suspect in connection with an alleged case of attempted kidnapping and extortion.

    The arrest was made on December 24, 2024, by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Squad, Enugu-Ukwu.

    He explained that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and is currently assisting the police in identifying and apprehending fleeing members of the gang.

    He quoted the Commissioner of Police (CP), Nnaghe Itam, as saying that the command was committed to pursuing all cases to a conclusive end to ensure that suspects were apprehended and justice served.

    Itam emphasized that such efforts were vital in preventing further criminal activities and ensuring the safety and security of residents.

    The PPRO urged the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines.

  • Come home for Christmas – IPOB begs Ndigbo, vow to provide security

    Come home for Christmas – IPOB begs Ndigbo, vow to provide security

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has made an appeal to Ndigbo to return to their homeland for the Christmas season, assuring them that its Eastern Security Network (ESN) operatives will provide safety and maintain a peaceful atmosphere throughout the festive period.

    This was contained in a statement by the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful.

    The group reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity in the South East region and emphasized its role in fostering peace and development.

    It described Alaigbo as a historically peaceful region, urging all Igbos to contribute to maintaining harmony, which is critical for the region’s economic growth.

    IPOB stressed that peace and security in the South East should not lag behind other regions in Nigeria, even as it accused the Nigerian government of exacerbating insecurity in the region through militarization and alleged subjugation.

    “We need peace to thrive as a strategic economic hub in Africa. Every Igbo man and woman must work towards peace and security in Alaigbo,” the statement read.

    The group reiterated its commitment to securing investments in the South East and encouraged Igbos to bring their investments home to spur development and create job opportunities for the region’s youth.

    It also cautioned criminals to steer clear of the South East, particularly during the Christmas season, as ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers are actively working to make the region inhospitable for criminal activities.

    The group also accused the Nigerian government and its security forces of sponsoring insecurity as a pretext for continued militarization of the region.

    “We call for the dismantling of all indiscriminate and illegal military, police, and other checkpoints in the South East. These checkpoints are sources of extortion, intimidation, and harassment of travelers,” the group stated.

    IPOB highlighted the role of ESN operatives in safeguarding Biafran bushes and forests to prevent criminal elements from using them as hideouts, encouraging residents to contact ESN operatives when needed through the published security information contact numbers.

  • Terrorism: Court acquits 50 IPOB members

    Terrorism: Court acquits 50 IPOB members

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, discharged and acquitted no fewer than 50 persons alleged to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of allegations bordering on terrorism.

    Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that the Nigerian Police Force failed, in its entirety, to established a prima facie case against the 50 defendants, including four women.

    Justice Omotosho, who upheld the no-case submission of the defendants, said that the prosecution failed to adduce any credible evidence, linking the defendants to the allegations with which they were charged.

    The Inspector-General (I-G) of Police had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024, sued the 50 defendants.

    They were alleged to have assembled themselves inside 911 truck with Reg No. XA-139 BDN, and engaging themselves in a meeting all about, and in connection with an act of terrorism.

    They were alleged to have in their custody 48 Black Caps, 25 Red Caps, 6 Orange Colour Caps,  and all were designed in IPOB emblem with various charms, otherwise known as “juju.”

    The police further alleged that their “gathering was for the purpose of promoting illegality in other to terrorise the people of Anambra.”

    The police said the offence is contrary and punishable under Section 12 of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, among other counts.

    The police called four witnesses to establish their case after which the team of defendants’ lawyers, led by Ifeanyi Ejiofor, opted for a no-submission case.

    Delivering the judgment, Justice Omotosho said that Section 303 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 makes provision for what the court should look out for in upholding or dismissing a no-case submission.

    These, he said, are whether the essential element of the offence has been proved, whether there is evidence linking the defendants with the commission of the offence with which they are charged.

    Others he said are whether on the face of the record, the evidence of the prosecution has been so discredited and rendered unreliable by cross examination that it would be unsafe to convict on such evidence,” he said, among others.

    According to the judge, at this stage, what the court concerns itself with is whether the prosecution has established a prima facie against the defendant such that the defendant will have to enter his defence.

    Ruling on count one, he said: “From the evidence of prosecution witnesses, there is nothing to show that the defendants are even members of IPOB.

    “In fact, the only evidence presented by the prosecution witnesses is that the defendants were arrested together in a truck.

    “That upon being asked where they were heading to, responded that they were going for a burial but could not name the deceased or the person who invited them.

    “This cannot be sufficient reason to suspect the defendants of engaging in terrorist activities. The witnesses did not show that the defendants were heading for a meeting of IPOB neither was there evidence of intelligence that the defendants are terrorists.

    “The prosecution witnesses even stated that they were engaged in gun duel when they were taking the defendants to the police station but it was not the defendants who shot at them.

    “That during the gun battle some of the defendants jumped out of the truck and ran into the bush.

    “I think it is reasonable to say that every person caught in a cross fire will likely find a way of escaping due to the need to protect his life.

    “The defendants who jumped out of the truck have not committed any offence by jumping out of the truck to save their lives.”

    The judge held that the evidence before the court showed that the defendants were peaceful throughout their arrest.

    “This court then wonders how a terrorist would be peaceful,” he said, citing Section 46 of the Act.

    He said the court observed that the exhibits recovered from the defendants which include calabash, cowries, red cloth and figurine did not conclusively proved that the defendants used them for terrorist activities.

    “It is a well-known fact that calabashes are used for trade by barter (during pre-colonial era), to serve food and even as items of traditional worship.

    “Also I remember that when I was growing up in Lagos in those days, some parents were fond of wearing cowries on their children’s waist.

    “Does this then mean that those parents were members of IPOB or a terrorist organisation?

    “The answer is a resounding no. Cowries were once used as means of exchange in pre-colonial Nigeria and this court is aware that it is still being used by some people for traditional worship.

    “As far as this court is concerned, cowries are not weapons to cause harm or mass fear or hysteria in the populace which is common to terrorist activities.

    “Furthermore, the efficacy of the juju allegedly recovered from the defendants was not demonstrated before the court to show that it was a weapon. Prosecution witness also stated that it was fearful, without proving its power if any.

    “All these point to the fact that the defendants did not participate in any terrorist activity or promote any terrorist activity.

    “None of the recovered exhibits bear the insignia of IPOB, thus, they could not have been accused of promoting the activities of a proscribed group.

    “The defendants were not caught engaging in terrorist activity but were only found in a truck. The prosecution has failed woefully in linking the defendants to the charge.

    “The prosecution has also failed to prove any of the ingredients of the offence against the defendants. This is even more so as the statements of the defendants which may have been helpful to the case of the prosecution were rejected by the court.

    On count three which bordered on conspiracy, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution failed to show that the defendants were in the 911 truck on the Dec. 1, 2023 with a common intention to commit an illegal act.

    “Neither has the prosecution proved that the illegal act committed was as a result of the meeting of minds of the defendants,” he said.

    According to him, this court struggles to see how the defendants conspired to commit a terrorist act

    “The evidence led by the prosecution is woefully short of what is required to establish this count.

    “As it stands, there is nothing before the court to warrant the calling on the defendants to put in their defence as no prima facie case has been proved by the prosecution,” he stated.

    The judge said the charge before the court “appeared to be a trumped up charge against the defendants, including old men, women, youths and middle aged persons who were unfortunate to be arrested together in a truck at night.”

    He said the prosecution had failed in its one duty of making out a prima facie case against the defendants.

    “The charge against the defendants are quite serious as they carry very stiff imprisonment terms.

    “Yet the prosecution without much substantial ground, presented a paper-thin case which proves almost nothing against the defendants.

    “The evidence of shooting, attack against the police in the course of arresting the defendant was shown under cross examination to have been perpetrated by other persons apart from the defendants.

    “There is therefore not enough or any semblance of a prima facie case which would make the defendants put in their defence.

    “The case presented by the prosecution lacks enough substance and accordingly the defendants cannot be held liable.

    “In final analysis, the prosecution has failed to make out a prima facie case against the defendants.

    “Consequently, the no-case submissions of the defendants are hereby upheld and they are hereby discharged and acquitted of the three counts charge,” he declared.

  • Absence of judge stalls Nnamdi Kanu’s N50bn suit

    Absence of judge stalls Nnamdi Kanu’s N50bn suit

    The absence of Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, stalled a N50 billion suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government.

    The matter, which was fixed for today, could not proceed because Justice Ekwo was on official engagement. The judge was said to be sitting in another division of the court. The case was subsequently fixed for Feb. 11, 2025 for further mention.

    Earlier, Aloy Ejimakor had, in one of the proceedings, told Justice Ekwo that he had filed a notice for a change of counsel. Ejimakor told the court that he would be taking over the case from Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, who filed the suit on April 7, 2022.

    Kanu had sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/462/2022.

    Kanu, who sued the defendants over allegations bordering on violation of his rights, alleged that he was kidnapped from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria to stand trial.

    He wants the court to determine “whether the way and manner in which the plaintiff was abducted in Kenya and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria is consistent with extant laws”.

    Particularly, he cited “the provisions of Article 12 (4) of the African Charter on human and peoples rights (ratification and enforcement) Act Cap A9 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Article/Part 5 (a) of the African Charter’s principles and guidelines on human and peoples’ rights while countering terrorism in Africa”.

    Kanu also wants the court to determine “whether by the operation of Section 15 of the Extradition Act Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the plaintiff can be competently/legally tried for offences stated in counts 1 to 14 of the 15-count amended charge.

    He said the counts “are not the offences for which he was surrendered or extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria”.

    In the originating summons, the IPOB leader is seeking 11 reliefs, including an order for his release from Department of State Services (DSS)’ custody.

    He is also seeking an order restraining the defendants from taking any further step to prosecute him over criminal charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, currently pending before a sister court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako.

    Kanu also asked the court to award the sum of N100 million to him “as the cost of this action”.

    But in a notice of preliminary objection dated June 6, 2022, but filed June 27, 2022, the Federal Government and AGF prayed the court to dismiss the suit, describing it as “an abuse of court process”.

    Giving one ground of argument, the defendants argued that Kanu had filed an earlier suit with similar facts before a Federal High Court, Umuahia Division in suit number: FHC/UM/CS/30/2022.

    They further argued that the two defendants were parties in the suit.

    According to the defendants, this renders this suit as an abuse of court process that deprived the court of the jurisdiction to entertain the instant suit.

  • DISOWNED! IPOB distance self Simon Ekpa amid Finland detention

    DISOWNED! IPOB distance self Simon Ekpa amid Finland detention

    Barely 24hours after his detention, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by detained Nnamdi Kanu has again dissociated itself from Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra Republic Government In Exile (BRGIE) and his operations.

    Recall the media has reported on Thursday that Finland district court in Lahti ordered that he should be remanded in prison following his arrest for suspected terrorist activities.

    Reacting to his arrest, IPOB in a statement issued on Friday morning by its Media, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, stated that Ekpa was never a member of IPOB, adding that he was not a registered member in any country including in Finland.

    IPOB also disassociated itself from his BRGIE, adding that he was an agent paid to infiltrate and destroy the IPOB peaceful movement for Biafra self-determination.

    The statement partly reads: “For public records, Simon Ekpa has never been a member of IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently being detained illegally in the DSS solitary confinement by the Nigerian Government since almost four years.”

    Powerful noted that contrary to the disinformation from the BBC News report that Simon Ekpa is an IPOB leader, “Ekpa is not an IPOB member, let alone be a leader in IPOB.”

    He said, “IPOB has some family units in Finland, and Simon Ekpa is not a registered member of any IPOB unit in Finland or any unit globally. Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu established IPOB as a peaceful movement to seek Biafra Independence via a supervised UN referendum.

    “IPOB is a peaceful global movement that has never taken to violence or arms struggle in two decades of our self-determination struggle.”

    IPOB said though it has been provoked by various “murderous regimes” in Nigeria, it has “remained resolute and peaceful”.

    It said, “On the other hand, Simon Ekpa was seen by some innocent Biafrans as someone sympathetic to the Biafra course. Until they discovered that he was a destructive. He recruited violent criminals to destabilize the South East Region in 2021.

    “He is a self-acclaimed prime minister of a small group called Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE). The infamous BGIE led by Simon Ekpa created a violent group that call themselves the Biafra Liberation Army. They have perpetuated various violent acts against the civilians in the Eastern Region in the name of Biafra agitation.

    “IPOB family worldwide refused to accept that system to achieve Biafra freedom and sovereignty. His group and the Nigerian Army are responsible for many kidnappings, rapes, forceful disappearances, killings, and burning of homes in the South Eastern region. Undoubtedly, Simon Ekpa has claimed responsibility for the violent actions of his criminal gang.

    “The Simon Ekpa-led group has no alliance or relationship with IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He recruited his criminals who have been terrorizing the Biafran territory since 2021 after the kidnap, extraordinary rendition, and illegal detention of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria.

    “The Nigerian government and politicians whom Biafrans believe contracted Simon Ekpa has been tagging his group’s violent and terrorist activities on IPOB just to blackmail and demonize the genuine and peaceful Biafra self-determination struggle led by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

    “IPOB is by this press release calling on BBC News and Finnish Authorities to note that Simon Ekpa has no relationship with IPOB in Finland or any other unit globally. He should not be associated with IPOB because IPOB does not support violent agitation that he represents.

    “IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a peaceful movement that has adopted civil disobedience to press our demand for Biafra’s self-determination and referendum. Unlike Simon Ekpa, who recruits and funds criminals who carry out killings of civilians and government agents, destroyed many homes in Biafra territory.”

    IPOB warned that no person or institution should link Simon Ekpa and his group to IPOB, insisting that it has no relationship whatsoever with his group.

    “Simon Ekpa has been shielded from arrest and terrorism charges against innocent Biafran civilians by the Nigerian and the Finnish governments’ diplomatic maneuvering. However, for every crime, there is a day of reckoning,” Powerful said.

    Regarding Ekpa’s arrest, Powerful urged all IPOB members, ‘Biafrans’ and lovers of Biafra freedom to remain calm and focus on the ball, which is the release of Kanu from detention and the Biafra restoration project. “IPOB does not do violent agitation or violence against civilians. IPOB does not do violent agitation or violence against the Nigerian Security Forces or the sponsored infiltrator criminals represented by Simon Ekpa,” Powerful added.

  • Chief of Defence Staff opens up on Simon Ekpa’s arrest

    Chief of Defence Staff opens up on Simon Ekpa’s arrest

    Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has expressed happiness with the arrest and detention of the factional leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa by the Finnish authority.

    The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, made this known in a  statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    “CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice,” he said.

    Also, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said the CDS had always called for the arrest of Simon Ekpa following is deep involvement in fueling terrorism in South East Nigeria.

    “We are delighted about his arrest, and glad that the international community is partnering with Nigeria in our fight against terrorism,” he added.

    Recall that the military had in March declared 97 persons wanted for terrorism, violent extremism and secessionist threats against the country.

    Among those declared wanted is Simon Ekpa, who is based in Finland but is believed to be behind the insecurity in the South-east region The news of Ekpa’s arrest in Finland broke on Thursday quoting Finnish local newspapers.