News / Security

After three months in detention, DSS releases Nnamdi Kanu’s foster mother

A popular supporter of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Madam Ukamaka Ejezie, popularly known as Mama Biafra, has regained her freedom after more than three months in the custody of the Department of State Services.

This development was confirmed by Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lawyer of the Leader of the IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, in a statement.

Ejiofor revealed that the Septuagenarian, said to be the foster mother of Kanu, was set free on Saturday evening.

She was arrested during Kanu’s last court appearance in Abuja on May 18.

Ejiofor said: “I am very delighted to inform you all that Mrs. Ukamaka Ejezie (Mama Biafra) has regained her freedom.

“She is now out of DSS dungeon.

“We thank thee Chukwuokike Abiama for this huge success.

“We are not relenting; every prisoner of conscience, including our indefatigable client, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will soon regain their freedom.

“We in the legal team are doing everything legally permissible to make it happen, we are not resting on our oars at all.

“Be assured forward ever and backward never!

“We move.”…

News / Security

IPOB declares Ebubeagu Commander wanted, offers N2m bounty

The Indigenous People of Biafra has announced a N2 million bounty on the Imo State Commander of the Ebubeagu security outfit.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the spokesman of the IPOB, Emma Powerful, on Thursday.

IPOB accused the Command of murdering 14 youths in Otulu and Awo-Mmamma area of the state.

Powerful said the Eastern Security Network in Imo State has been given the task of fishing out the Ebubeagu Commander in the state.

The statement said: “Hope Uzodinma of Imo State is killing his people in honor of his agreement with the caliphate and consistently lies to the public.“The head of this murderous militia named Ebube-Agu in Imo State is one drug and cult leader returnee from Mozambique, (name withheld by News Express) (Aka Ogwu). As a result of his murderous terrorist activities against our people, IPOB hereby declares this Ebube-Agu Commander in Imo State wanted. He is now a wanted person in Biafra land.

“Anybody who gives useful information about him and what will lead to the capture of this murderer will get a reward of 2 million Naira from IPOB. ESN Imo State Command has also been given a matching order to look for him to account for the innocent blood of Biafrans his criminal gang has wasted.”

The deceased were reportedly killed by operatives of Ebubeagu while returning from a wedding.

However, the security outfit and security agents claimed those killed were criminals.

The Department of State Services classified those killed as members of the ESN and not wedding guests.

The DSS said the youths were killed during an exchange of fierce gunfire with a joint security team.

…
News / Transportation

Transporters demand palliatives from enforcers of IPOB sit-at-home order

Transporters in Abia State have appealed to the enforcers of the weekly sit-at-home order in the South East to give them palliatives to cushion the effects of the lockdown on them.

The drivers made the appeal in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria Correspondent in Umuahia.

Speaking in the state capital on Monday, they said the development was making things difficult for them.

They complained that the transport sector was the worst hit by the directive as their vehicles were usually attacked or vandalized, while passengers on the other hand hardly come out of their homes for fear of attacks. NAN reports that residents of the five South East states have been groaning under the frequent order by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.

The residents have continued to comply with the Monday weekly order in spite of its suspension by IPOB, which directed that it should be observed only on the days its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is to appear in court.

Kanu, who in the custody of the Department of State Services, is being tried for treason and among other charges.

Residents expressed worry that the weekly exercise would cripple the socio-economic activities in the region, known for commerce and trade.

Henry Okezie, Chairman, Abia State Drivers’ Welfare Union, said the exercise had dealt a deadly blow on the transport sector.

Okezie said: “This frequent sit-at-home is really affecting us because we can’t operate if we don’t see passengers.

“Most of our members have their vehicles on hire purchase, which means that we must work every day to meet the target.

“We are appealing to the enforcers of this exercise to give us some palliatives in order to cushion the effect.

“We have over 200 members at this Isigate Park in Umuahia whose buses are operating on Umuahia-Ikwuano and Umuahia-Ubakala routes.

“Each of us make a minimum of N10,000 daily.

“So any day we don’t work, we lose over N2 million on average.”

Okezie said they would continue to comply in fear with the directive because “some of …

News / politics

Ohanaeze reacts to IPOB’s threat to declare one week sit-at-home

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has reacted to the decision of the Indigenous People of Biafra to declared a one-week sit-at-home in the South East from November 5, 2021.

The group gave stated its position in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro.

In the statement on Sunday, Isiguzoro said the order will cause the group to lose Igbo’s support and also give the All Progressives Congress the upper hand in the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 6.

It said the decision will, ultimately, hurt the Igbos most. The statement said: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has deciphered that any declaration that unleashes untold hardship, the collapse of commercial and industrial activities, a boycott of Anambra elections, and interrupts the academic calendar in South-Eastern states is viewed as nonsensical, absurd, and anti-Igbo agenda for the enemies’ amusement.

“You can’t enslave Ndigbo for one week without backlash from them, it’s time for Igbo to rise to the occasion and end being trampled with orders from overseas by those without any investments in the South-East.

“IPOB should discern that there have been self-determination struggles in Africa, before now, Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail, never in the annals of the history of the movement against Apartheid, was starvation, anguish, and catastrophe unleashed on Black South Africans by ANC, it’s an impulsive and reckless imperilment against Igbo to order them to observe one-week sit-at-home when it’s obvious that Nnamdi Kanu will not be released without the approval of courts.

“Secondly had IPOB declined to learn from the blunders and mistakes of former MASSOB leader Ralph Uwazurike on the boycott of population census of 2001 which made Igbo the majority-minority in Nigeria, attempts to boycott Anambra elections evidently will favor APC to win Anambra elections. IPOB should revisit and nullify the one-week sit-at-home or they will likely lose the support of Igbo henceforth, Ndigbo must participate in Anambra and nothing should stop it.

“Ndigbo should ask anyone enforcing the one-week sit-at-home, if they know the plight of common people who are street …

Law / News / politics

Trial of Nnamdi Kanu will lead to end of IPOB – Presidency

The Presidency has expressed confidence that the conclusion of the ongoing trial of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, will lead to the end of the group.

The Presidency spoke in reaction to an Editorial by The Economist, a London, United Kingdom-based magazine.

The magazine had faulted the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari on several fronts, including the war against banditry and insurgency, the economy and handling of the IPOB issue.

Reacting through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the Presidency said: “In the South-East, IPOB – which the Economist rightly describes as “delusional” – the arrest and present trial of the terrorist leader of the group is the beginning of its demise. “The President’s administration is redoubling efforts to have IPOB rightfully designated as a terrorist group by our allies outside of Nigeria – an act which will collapse their ability to transact gains from crime and extortion in foreign currencies.

“It is important to remind the Economist and the global media that this group’s aggression and widespread presence on social media does not reflect their public support, for which they have none: all elected governors, all elected politicians and all elected state assemblies in the South-East – which IPOB claim to be part of their fantasy kingdom – reject them completely.”…

Military / News / Security

Movie veteran Chiwetalu Agu reportedly rearrested by DSS

There are reports that Nigerian movie veteran, Chiwetalu Agu has been rearrested by men of the Department of State Service (DSS).

According to one of his colleagues in a post shared via his Facebook page on Friday, October 8, 2021, the actor is now in the custody of the DSS.

“Chiwetalu Agu is still not free. He is with DSS now. Colleagues say they are looking for a top lawyer to bail him,” he wrote.

It would be rehttps://www.facebook.com/Chiagozie.Fred.Nwonwu/posts/10223090818552825called that the movie star was released by the Nigeria Army on Friday afternoon.

The movie veteran was arrested on Thursday, October 7, in Onitsha by men of the Nigerian Army.

The actor was spotted wearing an outfit with the Biafran flag inscribed on it.

The army later released a statement where it revealed that the actor was arrested for inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

…
Entertainment / Military / Movies / News / Security

Nigeria Army explains reason for Chiwetalu Agu’s arrest

The Nigerian Army has given the reason behind the arrest of movie veteran, Chiwetalu Agu. In a statement released on its official Facebook page on Thursday, October 7, 2021, the army said the actor was arrested for inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the Proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

“Troops of Nigerian Army(NA) have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB),” part of the statement read.

TROOPS ARREST CHIWETALU AGU WHILE SOLICITING SUPPORT FOR PROSCRIBED IPOB
Troops of Nigerian Army(NA) have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Dressed in a very well known attire of the proscribed group, Chiwetalu Agu was picked up for questioning while inciting members of the public to join the proscribed group. Though he attempted puting up some resistance when troops made effort to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or subjected to brutalization.
While the NA recognizes the inalienable rights of the citizenry to freedom of movement and expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is apparently a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or break down of law and order. It is therefore pertinent to state that while exercising such freedoms, it must be done within the confines of the law, bearing in mind the imperative for peace, and national security.
For the avoidance of doubt and emphasis, the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) remains proscribed . Therefore, any individual or group seen to be projecting and advancing the cause or activities of the group is viewed as brazenly challenging the constitutionality of Federal Republic of Nigeria. More worrisome, was the fact that considering the prevailing security situation of the region, coupled with the ongoing Exercise GOLDEN DAWN , his action could be a tacit endorsement and support for the proscribed group. We have
…
Entertainment / News / Security

Movie veteran Chiwetalu Agu brutalised by soldiers for wearing a Biafran flag outfit

Nigerian movie veteran Chiwetalu Agu has been brutalized by men of the Nigeria Army for wearing a Biafran flag outfit.

The incident occurred on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at the industrious Upper Iweka Road in Onitsha, Anambra state.

In a video that has since gone viral, the actor was seen in his minibus which had the inscription ‘Chinwetalu Films.’

The minibus was then searched by the security operatives before he was manhandled by the soldiers who fired some shots to scare off the crowd which gathered.

The movie veteran is known to be one of the celebrities who have been openly sympathetic towards the agitators for a Biafran nation.

Other celebrities who have at one point or the other supported and called for the release of the leader of one of the movements responsible for the Biafran agitation, Nnamdi Kanu, are Rita Edochie and rapper, Zoro.

…
News / politics

National Assembly caucus sets up committee on Nnamdi Kanu

The South East caucus in the National Assembly has set up a committee to work out modalities of setting the Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, free from detention.

This was contained in the communique at the end of an extraordinary meeting of the caucus held on Wednesday.

The meeting took place at the residence of the former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu.

The communique signed by all federal lawmakers from the region reads: “The South-East caucus of the National Assembly held an extraordinary session on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, to review developments in the South East, particularly (a) The security situation in the region vis-à-vis the sit-at-home orders and (b) The detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. “Expressed solidarity with our people of the South East over the marginalization of the region in the scheme of things within the Nigerian commonwealth. The Caucus feels the pains of our people and their quest for equity, justice, and protection of their lives and property in every part of the country. The caucus, therefore, resolved to continue to fight for a level-playing ground and an enabling federal system where Ndigbo is able to develop their homeland at their own pace and equally pursue their happiness and actualize their enormous potentials in every part of the country, unmolested.

“Reviewed the sit-at-home orders by the IPOB and the mayhem some nefarious elements have seized the opportunity to visit on the lives, properties, and psyche of our people. The Caucus equally reviewed and rued the incalculable economic losses and hardships these have brought upon our region.

“Resolved to condemn in strongest terms the disruption of the ongoing Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination in some parts of the South East, particularly the incident at Comprehensive Secondary School, Nkume, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, where the English examination organized by the West Africa Examination Council, WAEC, on Monday, September 13, 2021, was ruthlessly scuttled by armed men, who chased away the students, teachers, and examiners before setting ablaze motorcycles belonging to …

News / Security

Sit-at-home: Be at your duty post or be fired, Umahi warns workers

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has directed all civil and public servants to report to work on Monday despite the sit-at-home order issued by the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

IPOB had fixed Monday every week for its sit-at-home protest.

Umahi gave the directive in a statement issued to reporters on Sunday by Dr Kenneth Igwe, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Coordinating Commissioner.

According to him, whosoever failed to report to his duty post stands to lose his job. “Similarly, any shop or bank that failed to open for business on Monday stands the risk of losing the right to operate business or banking operations in the state. “The general public is by this announcement advised to go about their normal businesses without fear.

“Security agencies have been directed to patrol 24 hours in all corners of the state. All concerned are to take note and adhere strictly to this government directive,” Umahi stated.…

News / politics / Security

Sit-at-home: Security operatives plan to disguise as ESN — IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra has alleged that security operatives in collaboration with some politicians have perfected plans to disguise as members of the Eastern Security Network to enforce the sit-at-home order it had relaxed.

The spokesman for the group, Emma Powerful, levelled the allegation in a statement on Sunday on the sit-at-home.

Powerful said: “Security agencies have perfected plans to unleash  attacks on innocent people in the name of ESN and IPOB volunteers.

“We have no plans again to enforce any sit-at-home order. “They want to wear jeans trousers and combat knicker jeans and  brand it ESN and IPOB volunteers.

“Our people should resist any attempt by anybody to attack them tomorrow (today).

“Fleet of Hilux vehicles have also been set aside for this assignment.

“Our people need to be cautious.

“We want to put the world, especially residents of Biafra-land that IPOB has since two weeks ago suspended its initially declared Monday sit-at-home order.

“It, therefore, makes no sense that we will at the same time be enforcing the suspended order.

“IPOB restates that there is no longer ghost Mondays in Biafra-land in solidarity with our detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“Sit-at-home will only be observed on the days our leader will be making appearances in court. Such days will be well publicized ahead of time.

“Everybody is hereby placed on  alert about this wicked plot.

“IPOB will not tolerate any attack on any Biafran or resident of Biafra under any guise.

“People should be allowed to go about their businesses without any molestation or harassment.

“We are warning politicians and traitors including security agents who have designed to destroy IPOB and tarnish our hard-earned global reputation to retrace their steps.

“Biafrans are free to come out tomorrow and every Monday to do their normal business.

“All market leaders in Biafra-land are advised to comply with this directive and ensure their markets are open for business.”…

News

IPOB threatens monarchs

The Indigenous People of Biafra has threatened to deal with traditional rulers, presidents general and youth leaders of communities who report their subjects to security operatives as members of its Eastern Security Network.

The group issued the threat in a statement made available to newsmen by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, on Thursday.

It said: “We have got reports of traditional rulers and president generals and youths leaders who terrorize youths in their community by tagging them IPOB members and ESN operatives.

“The only crime of the youths is standing up for their rights and resisting the sale of community land to Fulani herdsmen.

It’s an abomination for a traditional ruler and president general in Biafraland to report youths in his communities to terror-friendly Nigeria Army just because he feels the youths are standing in his way to sell the community’s land to the Fulani herders.

“We, therefore, warn all such treacherous monarchs to retrace their steps or brace up for the consequences of their evil action.

“We want to sound it clear that henceforth, any traditional ruler that reports his subjects to the Nigeria Army or Navy to torture them for opposing their plans to sell community land to Fulani herdsmen shall get ready to answer to our ancestors.

“Such evil traitors are not worthy to live how much more occupy the titleship stool in Biafra land.”

In a particular instance, IPOB gave a seven-day ultimatum to monarchs in Atani and other communities in Ogbaru, Anambra State to facilitate the unconditional release all the youths arrested in the area by the Nigeria Navy.…

News / politics

Kalu speaks on report he discussed IPOB with UK at meeting

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has debunked reports circulated on the social media that he paid a private visit to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, where he allegedly discussed the affairs of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

The former Governor of Abia State spoke on the development in a statement on Monday.

This was even as he snapped at individuals and groups to desist from antagonizing his person.

In the statement by Emeka Nwala, Kalu explained that the British High Commissioner visited him (Kalu) in his Abuja residence on May 13 in company of the Political Counsellor, British High Commission, Jonathan Bacon, and Stuart Gardner, the First Secretary, Political.

“To put the records straight, I neither visited nor discussed IPOB with the British High Commissioner as reported.

“Those behind this repeatedly shameful act will live to regret their actions as their efforts will not only fail but turn around to favour me.”

The fake story circulated in the media with Kalu as the author read: “I visited the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mrs Catriona Laing with my brother Senator Chris Ngige to express gratitude over her contributions in silencing the issues of insecurities and attacks on the Nigerian force personnel championed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as the issue of insecurity and killing has been defeated totally in the Eastern region.

“We also made it known to her that the entire Igbo elites strongly believed in one Nigeria and very much in support of President Muhammadu Buhari led government.”

 …

Law / News

Disbelief, shock trail IPOB leader’s arrest, re-arraignment

Four years after the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, jumped bail and fled the country, he was yesterday re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja after his re-arrest by security agents.

Presenting him before the court, counsel to the Federal Government, Shuaib Labaran, said Kanu was arrested through intelligence and collaborative efforts of security agencies. He was, however, silent on where and how Kanu was arrested.

Following Labaran’s ex-parte application, Justice Binta Nyako ordered that Kanu, who was brought to court in handcuffs and hooded before the court’s sitting, be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

He granted an accelerated hearing by bringing the charge pending against him from the earlier adjourned date of October 20 to July 26 and 27.

Speaking when he appeared in court on criminal charges of terrorism and treasonable felony, Kanu said he escaped from Nigeria after his house was unlawfully invaded by security men with his life seriously threatened. The separatist leader 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 bail and flee the country.

His reaction was provoked by the Federal Government’s information through its counsel, Labaran, that Kanu jumped 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 Services (DSS).

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

Arewa elders urged the Federal Government to handle Kanu’s arrest and prosecution with caution. In a statement by the spokesman of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Emmanuel Yawe, it said that Kanu should be prosecuted because he is a threat to Nigeria’s stability as a nation, but urged the government to follow the rules of law.

“We know that the man has no respect for the country called Nigeria and has …