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Tag: Nnamdi Kanu

  • IPOB confirms Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest, demands fair trial

    IPOB confirms Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest, demands fair trial

    The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has confirmed the re-arrest of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    We earlier reported that Kanu was arraigned on Tuesday, following his re-arrest and extradition to Nigeria.

    In a statement by Bar. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, IPOB/Nnamdi Kanu lead Counsel, he demanded that Kanu’s fundamental rights must be respected while in custody.

    The statement read:

    “We have just confirmed through a correspondence from the Federal High Court Abuja, about the arrest and the extradition of my Client- Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Nigerian State.

    It is to be noted, therefore, that no matter the gravity of the offences or charge preferred against him, Section 36(5) of the Constitution still presumes him innocent of the allegation.

    He was brought before the Federal High Court No 2 Abuja today on an Eleven count charge, though without our knowledge.

    As it is in the public domain, the matter has been consequently adjourned to the 26th Day of July 2021, for Continuation of Trial.

    The legal team ably led by my humble self will meet them in court on this date.

    We insist that he must be given a fair hearing/trial which is his constitutionally protected right.

    His safety as also guaranteed under our law throughout the trial and afterwards, should be enforced.

    Our fortified Legal team will be meeting to agree on strategies within the context of the Charge and disposition of the Court.

    Await further update from us as we progress.

    Thank you and remain blessed.

    Signed
    Bar. Ifeanyi Ejiofor
    IPOB/Nnamdi Kanu lead Counsel.

  • Why I jumped bail, escaped from Nigeria – Nnamdi Kanu

    Why I jumped bail, escaped from Nigeria – Nnamdi Kanu

    The self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu on Tuesday, opened up on why he escaped from the country inspite of the criminal charges of terrorism and treasonable felony brought against him by the federal government

    Looking heavily weighed down, Kanu, who was brought to court for the continuation of trial shortly after he was intercepted by security operations, sought the permission of Justice Binta Nyako to address the court and present his side of the story.

    Upon the permission, Kanu told the court in the presence of heavily armed security operatives that his house was unlawfully invaded by security men with his life seriously threatened.

    The self-acclaimed Biafran leader further alleged that he would have been killed along with others on the day of the invasion if not for the wisdom he applied to jump out of the country.

    Kanu’s reaction was provoked by the federal government’s information through its counsel, Shuaib Labaran that Kanu jumped the bail granted by the court to escape trial by running out of the country.

    Labaran had applied to the court for an order to remand Kanu in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS).

    The counsel said the request became imperative because lawyers to Kanu were yet to be abreast of his re-arrest.

    Justice Binta Nyako granted the request and ordered that Kanu be remanded in the custody of DSS till July 26 for the continuation of his trial.

    Although the continuation of trial was originally slated for October 20, 2021, it was brought downward to July 26, 2021, for his lawyers to appear for his defense.

    Kanu appeared to have been given the VIP treatment while being moved out of court.

    He was taken away in handcuffs through a special gate reserved for Judges and highly placed persons from where he was moved to the DSS detention centre.

    Hordes of photographers and cameramen who had positioned themselves to take his photographs were disappointed upon discovery that Kanu had been taken away.

  • How We Arrested Nnamdi Kanu – Malami

    How We Arrested Nnamdi Kanu – Malami

    Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General of Federation (AGF), has said Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested through collaborative efforts.

    Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Malami, who did not go into details of the operation that led to the arrest of the fugitive IPOB leader, said Nigerian intelligence and security services worked together.

    “Self-aclaimed leader of the proscribed secessionist Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and security services.”

    “He has been brought back to Nigeria in order to continue facing trial after disappearing while on bail regarding 11 count charge against him.

    “Recent steps taken by the Federal Government saw to the interception of the fugitive Kanu on Sunday the 27th day of June, 2021.

    “Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Ngozichukwu Okwu-Kanu, born 25th day of September, 1967 at Afaraukwu, Abia State is a holder of Nigerian Passport No. A05136827 first issued 17th October 2013 at FESTAC, Lagos.

    “It is recalled that Kanu was arrested  on 14th October, 2015 on 11 count charge bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory  matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods, among others.

    “A judge at the Federal High Court, Abuja revoked Kanu’s bail that was granted him on health ground and issued a bench warrant for his arrest on the same date, over his failure to appear in court for hearing.

    “He has, upon jumping bail, been accused of engaging in subversive activities that include inciting violence through television, radio and online broadcasts against Nigeria and Nigerian State and institutions.

    “Kanu was also accused of instigating violence especially in the Southeastern Nigeria that resulted in the loss of lives and property of civilians, military, para military, police forces and destruction of civil institutions and symbols of authorities.”

  • BREAKING: Nigerian Govt Arrest IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu

    BREAKING: Nigerian Govt Arrest IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu

    After over two years of man-hunting, the federal government has at last arrested self-acclaimed Biafran leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

    He was arrested by a combined team of Nigerian and foreign security agents in a coordinated interception.

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, on Tuesday, at an emergency media briefing in his office confirmed the arrest of Kanu.

    Kanu who was put on trial on charges bothering on terrorism, treasonable felony and sponsoring unlawful organization had escaped from Nigeria shortly after his arraignment before the federal high court in Abuja and admission on bail.

    Justice Binta Nyako who granted him bail on the ground of his ill-health had revoked the bail on march 28 , 2019 and issued a bench warrant for his arrest in any part of Nigeria.

    He, however, confirmed that Kanu will appear before the federal high court today, for continuation of his trial.

  • IPOB: Nnamdi Kanu commends southeast Governors for success of #SitAtHome order

    IPOB: Nnamdi Kanu commends southeast Governors for success of #SitAtHome order

    Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has insisted that the sit-at-home order to mark Biafra day was a success.

    Kanu insisted that the Southeast recorded 100 percent compliance to the order.

    Speaking through IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, Kanu also commended Governors from the Southeast who made the order a success.

    A statement by Powerful reads: “We the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our prophet and liberator, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, are delighted to note that this year’s sit-at-home order in honour of our fallen heroes recorded 100% success throughout Biafra land.

    “We, therefore, wish to warmly commend Biafrans, South-East Governors, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, friends and lovers of Biafra freedom who made the exercise a huge success. The unprecedented success and total compliance that greeted the exercise have sent panic waves down the spine of our oppressors. Now they understand how prepared we are in our irrevocable resolve to restore the Biafra republic.

    “We immensely thank the people of Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Anambra, Abia, Delta, Imo, Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Kogi States as well as Igbanke, Idoma and Igede people for being part of the success story. We equally extend our appreciation to our brothers and sisters in Ambazonia for their wonderful support.

    “We cannot thank the Biafran Diaspora community for their inestimable contributions in our struggle for independence. Biafrans in the Diaspora did us proud on Sunday, May 30 when they trooped out in their thousands to celebrate the Biafra Day in their respective host countries. We are very proud of you all.

    “Above all, we are grateful to the Almighty God, Chukwu Okike Abiama for making the exercise peaceful and hitch-free. We are peace lovers and will continue to push for our freedom peacefully.”

  • Govt Warns Nnamdi Kanu – Benue Not Part Of Biafra

    Govt Warns Nnamdi Kanu – Benue Not Part Of Biafra

    Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) have been warned to steer clear of Benue State.

    This followed the recent threat by Kanu to send ESN members to protect Igbo people living in Benue.

    Kanu identified Ado and Oju Local Government Areas as places that need the presence of ESN.

    In his reaction, Ado Local Government admonished Kanu to stop dragging Benue into “his self-seeking campaign”.

    The Chairman, James Oche, told reporters on Saturday that the territorial integrity of the state would never be a subject of Biafra agitation.

    He cautioned proponents of Kanu’s “inordinate ideology” in Benue to desist or face the wrath of the law.

    On the IPOB leader’s comment about the “abduction” of 3 people, Oche clarified that they were arrested in connection with the murder of an elderly Fulani man, Mohammed Isa.

    “It was an act that threatened the security of the area and made the Deputy Governor summon a meeting that was held yesterday in Makurdi with all concerned stakeholders.

    “Kanu reportedly issued statements charging Benue Governor to protect ‘IPOB communities’ or he would send Eastern Security Network operatives to do so. He should stop insulting the sensibilities of Benue people.”

    The LG boss assured that Governor Samuel Ortom was doing his best in terms of security.

    He advised the people to remain calm and support the governor’s commitment to the full implementation of the Anti Open Grazing Law.

  • Nnamdi Kanu reacts as Gov El-Rufai admits Fulani involved in kidnapping, banditry

    Nnamdi Kanu reacts as Gov El-Rufai admits Fulani involved in kidnapping, banditry

    The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has reacted to Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s admission to the atrocities being committed by Fulani herdsmen across the country.

    The Kaduna State Governor, had in an interview with the BBC Hausa, said that Fulani herdsmen who carry out banditry kill ‘mercilessly’ because they do not believe in religion.

    “…We cannot negotiate [with bandits]. Eliminating them is the only solution to banditry,” El-Rufai said in reaction to Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi’s move to persuade the criminals to drop arms.

    “I never believed that a Fulani herdsman who ventured into banditry and is collecting millions of Naira as ransom will repent. I spoke to Dr Gumi, who is my friend; I explained that the majority of these bandits don’t believe in the religion. That is why they kill mercilessly.

    “Anybody who thinks a Fulani herdsman that was used to only getting N100,000 in a year, after selling a cow, but now is getting millions through kidnapping for ransom will stop is only wasting his time,” El-Rufai said.

    And his reaction, Nnamdi Kanu tweeted, “@elrufai a Fulani admitting that those perpetrating kidnapping in Nigeria are Fulani. But when we use exact same term to describe Fulani terrorists, we are accused of ethnic profiling.

    “Mind you this same El-Rufai admitted paying killer herdsmen to stop attacks on Kaduna residents.”

    Speaking further, Nnamdi Kanu noted that the entitlement mentality of the North caused the 1966 civil war and warned that the country is most likely to enter another one.

    “NIGERIA was doomed from the start when control of the nation was ceded to those with a medieval mindset.

    “It created an entitlement mentality that triggered a Civil War & is now threatening another. Trust me, the War shall come, sooner than later, unless Nigeria is divided NOW!” He added.

    Also, Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, had at the weekend warned that activities of Fulani herdsmen in the Southern part of the country may become uncontrollable and generate into another civil war.

    Herdsmen are being accused and in some cases evicted by their host communities over allegations of killing, kidnappings, raping of women, as well as destroying farms with their animals.

    Soyinka called on those in authority to act urgently before the situation gets out of hand and lead to another civil war. He accused President Muhammadu Buhari of keeping mute over the ‘illegal’ activities of herders.’

  • Nandi Kanu is “made in China Shekau” – Aisha Yesufu Blasts IPOB Leaders

    Nandi Kanu is “made in China Shekau” – Aisha Yesufu Blasts IPOB Leaders

    Aisha Yesufu, popular activist, on Tuesday, reacted to the warning issued to her by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

    Yesufu described Kanu as “made in China Shekau.”

    The IPOB leader had warned Yesufu, a co-convener of BringBackOurGirls, BBOG, advocacy group to be “very careful” over her comment on the Eastern Security Network, ESN.

    The activist had condemned ESN attack on Fulani herdsmen and killing of their cows in Isuikwuato area of Abia State.

    She had wondered why the government would allow a parallel security outfit in the country.

    Yesufu had declared the ESN action as unacceptable, which should not be condoned.

    Against this backdrop, the IPOB leader warned the activist to be very careful.

    However, Yesufu while sharing Kanu’s warning, wrote: “Tell the Made in China Shekau that I am not one of those #VictimMentality people that are swayed by his premature beard and stooped posture that he has taken on that have them kissing his feet with his infantile outbursts and decision making that have had him out in the cold.”

  • Court to begin Nnamdi Kanu’s ‘treason’ trial in absentia

    Court to begin Nnamdi Kanu’s ‘treason’ trial in absentia

    A federal high court in Abuja is set to commence the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in his absence.

    A hearing notice from the court scheduled the case for November 26 during which five prosecution witnesses will testify against Kanu.

    The notice was served on the federal government’s prosecution team and Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the defendant’s counsel.

    Kanu is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony instituted against him in response to years of campaign for the independent Republic of Biafra through IPOB.

    He was granted bail in April 2017 for health reasons, but skipped his bail after reportedly flouting all the conditions given to him by the court.

    Owing to his absence in court, Binta Nyako, the judge who granted him bail, revoked it  and ordered that he should be arrested.

    But Kanu’s lawyer argued that he left the country because of the invasion of his family’s residence in Abia state by soldiers during a military exercise.

    He prayed the court to restore the bail to enable the defendant to return to Nigeria for trial, but the judge did not accede to the request.

    Despite the court’s insistence on his appearance, the IPOB leader has remained abroad, and once said he jumped bail to pursue the cause of Biafra.

    “Their problem is Nnamdi Kanu and the solution to their problem is referendum. They gave me conditional bail to cage me and IPOB but I refused,” he had said during a broadcast.

    He also said the arrest warrant against him means nothing and vowed to remain abroad to continue his campaign for a Biafran republic in the south-east.

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  • Nnamdi Kanu threatens to disgrace corrupt politicians abroad

    Nnamdi Kanu threatens to disgrace corrupt politicians abroad

    Leader of the Indegineous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has warned corrupt Nigerian politicians against traveling outside the country.

    Kanu who stated this in a live broadcast said his group would publicly disgrace and humiliate corrupt Nigerian political office holder sighted in any foreign country.

    He said, “Any day any corrupt Nigerian political office holder was sighted in any foreign country, such a person would be publicly disgraced and humiliated.”

    The IPOB leader, who was highly aggrieved over the massacre of Nigerian youths protesting against police brutality and bad governance at Lekki Toll Gate, said the ban was with immediate effect.

    “From today, October 25, 2020, if we get you abroad, we will disgrace you. Stay at home until you meet the 23 demands of the youths,” he said.

    While blaming the infrastructural decay and endemic corruption in Nigeria on the avarice of the politicians, the IPOB leader regretted that Nigerian politicians allowed public infrastructure particularly schools to collapse while funding their children’s education abroad with stolen public funds.

    “The children of such politicians schooling abroad will be chased back home by the diaspora Nigerians to enroll in schools which their parents failed to renovate and fund at home,” he added.